Spain vs Belgium isn’t the most blockbuster of quarter-final clashes, however, it isn’t as guaranteed of a result as some may think.
Spain undoubtedly possess the best defence at the tournament, yet the grit and unpredictability of this Belgium attack is a worry.
The Red Devils, particularly its Golden Generation, are widely regarded as the greatest under-performers in recent World Cup history, but one individual, Lamine Yamal, has also been a shock this tournament.
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Spain vs Belgium prediction: Can Lamine Yamal finally announce himself on this stage, in the quarter-finals of the 2026 World Cup?
Belgium as a unit, formerly the #1 ranked nation in the world, have failed to make a mark at the World Cup, even at their best.
Now, this side has transformed greatly, possessing a lower-calibre line-up of players, but ones who are free to perform with the shackles of expectation taken off of them.
Spanish starboy Lamine Yamal, who finished second in last year’s Ballon D’or, has been exceedingly poor by his standards.
While many expected the Barcelona youngster to dominate this tournament individually, his performances have been below par.
Belgium began their group stage campaign with two draws, however, a historic comeback versus Senegal gave way to a lightning performance against USA in the following round.
The Red Devils appear to be upping their level as the competition progresses, but can Yamal do the same?
Spain’s defence will require Belgian brilliance to break through it, but their own game-breaker has been suspiciously absent across North America and will need to turn on the burners for his nation.
What stands in the way of a Spain victory is simple: for Yamal to perform poorly, and for Belgium to be clinical.
If both scenarios don’t occur in conjunction, then it will be the Spaniards who edge through to the semi-final phase.
But if Belgium’s gamebreakers, Jeremy Doku and Kevin De Bruyne, can turn up in the absence of a well-performing Yamal, that spot is theirs for the taking.
The Barcelona star-boy is built for the biggest of stages, and FourFourTwo has faith in him to deliver.
Prediction: Spain 2-1 Belgium
Goalscorers: Lamine Yamal, Dani Olmo, Kevin De Bruyne