Spain will take on Belgium in the World Cup 2026 quarter-final on Thursday without midfielder Pedri, who has been ruled out due to injury. The European champions are hoping for a major fitness boost ahead of the crucial match at the tournament in North America.
Pedri, a key figure in Spain's midfield, has been sidelined for the clash, dealing a blow to Luis de la Fuente's plans. The Barcelona playmaker has been instrumental in Spain's recent success, including their triumph at Euro 2024, and his absence will be felt as they face a strong Belgian side.
Spain's starting lineup for the quarter-final has been confirmed, with several changes expected to compensate for Pedri's absence. The team will rely on the creativity of players like Gavi and Dani Olmo to unlock the Belgian defence, while Rodri is set to anchor the midfield. Up front, Alvaro Morata is likely to lead the line, supported by wingers Lamine Yamal and Nico Williams.
Belgium, meanwhile, will be confident after a strong run to the quarter-finals. Led by Kevin De Bruyne and Romelu Lukaku, the Red Devils have shown resilience and attacking flair throughout the tournament. Their defence, marshalled by Jan Vertonghen, will be tasked with containing Spain's possession-based style.
The match is a repeat of their group-stage encounter at the 2022 World Cup, where Belgium won 1-0. However, Spain have evolved significantly since then, winning the Nations League in 2023 and the European Championship in 2024. Belgium, on the other hand, have undergone a transition, with several key players retiring or stepping back from international duty.
Spain's recent form has been impressive, with the team unbeaten in their last 12 matches. They topped their group in the World Cup with wins over Costa Rica and Germany, before a hard-fought victory against Morocco in the round of 16. Belgium, meanwhile, finished second in their group behind Brazil, but produced a dominant performance against Portugal in the last 16.
The winner of this quarter-final will face either Argentina or the Netherlands in the semi-finals, as both teams look to secure a place in the final. For Spain, a victory would mark their first World Cup semi-final appearance since 2010, when they won the tournament. For Belgium, it would be a chance to finally break their quarter-final curse, having been eliminated at this stage in 2014, 2018, and 2022.
Injury concerns have also plagued Belgium, with midfielder Youri Tielemans a doubt after picking up a knock in training. However, manager Domenico Tedesco is optimistic that Tielemans will be fit to start. Spain, meanwhile, are monitoring the fitness of defender Aymeric Laporte, who has been struggling with a muscle issue.
The match is expected to be a tightly contested affair, with both teams possessing world-class talent. Spain's possession-based approach will test Belgium's defensive organisation, while the Red Devils' counter-attacking threat could exploit any gaps in the Spanish backline. The midfield battle, in particular, will be crucial, with Rodri and De Bruyne likely to play pivotal roles.
Kick-off is scheduled for 12pm local time (8pm BST) at the MetLife Stadium in New Jersey. The atmosphere is expected to be electric, with fans from both nations travelling in large numbers. Spain will be hoping to overcome the loss of Pedri and continue their quest for a second World Cup title, while Belgium aim to finally reach the semi-finals and prove their credentials as a top footballing nation.
