Spain and Belgium Face Off in World Cup Quarterfinal in Los Angeles
Spain and Belgium meet in a World Cup quarterfinal on Tuesday night in Los Angeles, a match that could mark the last major tournament appearance for several members of Belgium's golden generation.
The World Cup quarterfinal between Spain and Belgium kicks off Tuesday at 10 PM local time in Los Angeles (6 AM Wednesday morning in the UK). The match will be broadcast live on Go3.
Spain reached the quarterfinals by eliminating Portugal with a stoppage-time goal from Mikel Merino, while Belgium defeated host USA 4-1 in the round of 16. Belgium's average age of 27.6 years ranks 20th in the tournament, while Spain's 26.8 makes them the seventh youngest team. A loss could spell the end for several members of Belgium's golden generation, including Thibaut Courtois, Romelu Lukaku, and Kevin De Bruyne, at major tournaments.
Belgium is the third-highest scoring team in the tournament with 13 goals, while Spain has scored nine, placing them in a tie for 13th-15th. In expected goals (xG), Spain ranks fifth (10.56) and Belgium sixth (10.28). Both teams' top scorers have four goals each: Mikel Oyarzabal for Spain and Romelu Lukaku for Belgium. Disciplinary records show Spain with three yellow cards, Belgium with four yellow and one red.
The two teams have met 22 times overall, with Spain winning 12 and Belgium five. Their only two World Cup encounters came in 1986, when Belgium won in the quarterfinals, and 1990, when Spain won in the group stage. Belgium's last victory over Spain dates back to 1986; since then, the record stands at 0-9-2. The teams have not played each other since 2016, when Spain won 2-0.
Spain's Nico Williams is recovering from injury, while Belgium lost Amadou Onana in the win over USA. The winner of this match will face France in the semifinals.
