Belgium Await Spain in the Quarter-finals

The FIFA World Cup has reached its decisive stage, and the Spanish national team now knows the next obstacle standing between them and their dream of a second world title. Belgium will be Luis de la Fuente's side's opponents in the quarter-finals, with the match set to kick off at 21:00 CEST (12:00 local time in Los Angeles) on Friday, 10 July.

Coached by Rudi Garcia, Belgium booked their place in the last eight with an emphatic 4–1 victory over the United States in the Round of 16. The Red Devils topped Group G, finishing ahead of Egypt, Iran and New Zealand, before overturning a 2–0 deficit to defeat Senegal after extra time in the Round of 32. In the Round of 16, goals from Charles De Ketelaere (2), Hans Vanaken, and Romelu Lukaku sealed their progression against the tournament hosts.

Spain and Belgium have met 23 times throughout history, with the head-to-head record favouring La Roja: 12 victories, six draws, and five Belgian wins.

This will be the third meeting between the two nations at a FIFA World Cup. Belgium prevailed in the Mexico 1986quarter-finals after a penalty shootout, while Spain gained revenge four years later with victory at Italy 1990. Now, they will renew their rivalry with a place in the semi-finals on the line.

Spain head into the contest after overcoming Portugal in a demanding Round of 16 clash. That victory extended the team's outstanding run in the tournament, leaving them as the only unbeaten side yet to concede a goal in the competition.

Los Angeles will once again provide the stage for another memorable World Cup night, as two European heavyweights battle for a place in the semi-finals and move one step closer to the final in New Jersey on 19 July.