Spain vs Belgium - Five players who could make impact off the bench in FIFA World Cup 2026 quarter-final

Belgium have faced Spain twice in the FIFA World Cup before.

Spain are set to take on Belgium in the quarterfinal of the FIFA World Cup 2026 . The game is set to be played at the Los Angeles Stadium in Inglewood, California, on Friday, July 10. The two sides have clashed twice in the tournament, with each securing one win.

Both sides have taken different paths to the quarterfinals. Spain has not conceded a single goal in five games, as Unai Simón has created a World Cup record for most consecutive minutes without conceding a single goal (609). On the other side, Thibaut Courtois has kept only one clean sheet.

La Roja have given a dominant performance since the start of the campaign, while the Red Devils have caught up in form in the knockout stages. Nevertheless, while the starting lineups will be crucial, here is a list of three substitutes who might decide the game off the bench.

Also Read: All Belgium players at risk of missing semi-final of FIFA World Cup 2026 with yellow card vs Spain

5. Gavi

Spain’s youngest goalscorer in FIFA World Cup history, Gavi, has not been in his best form in North America. However, he was featured in La Roja’s opening clash of the tournament against Cape Verde as a left winger.

He later made a brief cameo against Austria, but his campaign has certainly been underwhelming for his name. Thus, eager to score and create chances, the 21-year-old has the potential to decide the match’s fate.

4. Thomas Meunier

Thomas Meunier is one of the most experienced names in the Belgian line-up for the FIFA World Cup. He started the first two group-stage games for the Red Devils before being benched for the final game and the knockout stage.

He was called in at Maxim De Cuyper’s place against Senegal in the 78th minute, and after only eight minutes, Meunier provided a crucial assist to Belgium’s all-time top goal scorer, Romelu Lukaku. Thus, Thomas Meunier could be the perfect choice if Rudi Garcia decides to bring experience to the defence.

3. Ferran Torres

Ferran Torres has not been in his best form in the 2026 FIFA World Cup; however, he can be lethal on a good day. He has made only one start in the tournament so far and has provided one assist. He’s also yet to take a shot on target in the World Cup; however, Torres has been brought in by Luis de la Fuente in every game for a cameo.

2. Mikel Merino

Mikel Merino has started only one game in the ongoing FIFA World Cup, playing a total of 60 minutes against Uruguay. Other than that, the Arsenal midfielder has played for nearly 100 minutes across five games for La Roja.

Against Portugal in La Roja’s round of 16 clash, Mikel Merino was subbed in the 85th minute, and he instantly scored the winner and helped Spain reach the quarter-finals of the World Cup for the first time since 2010. Thus, thanks to his tactical understanding, he could play a similar role against the Red Devils.

1. Romelu Lukaku

Romelu Lukaku has been the super sub for the Red Devils at the ongoing edition of the summer competition. Belgium’s all-time top goalscorer, Lukaku, has scored three goals and provided one assist in four appearances for Belgium.

Additionally, he has scored in the last three games for the Red Devils off the bench, making him a significant second-half threat for the Spanish side. The 33-year-old has played 200 minutes for Rudi Garcia’s side in the ongoing competition.

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