Spain will meet Belgium in a World Cup quarter‑final at the Los Angeles Stadium on Saturday, a match that will decide which nation advances to a potential semi‑final against France.
The Spanish side arrives in California riding a remarkable 36‑match unbeaten run in competitive fixtures under head coach Luis de la Fuente, a streak that has seen them keep clean sheets in every tournament game so far.
Their defensive record is stark: not a single goal has been conceded in the competition, a testament to a backline that combines the experience of Aymeric Laporte with the rising talent of Pau Cubarsí.
Injury Concerns Shape the Lineup
However, the Spanish lineup will be missing key attacking options. Nico Williams is a doubt after picking up an adductor injury, while Yéremy Pino is expected to be sidelined for the remainder of the tournament with a collarbone problem. Víctor Muñoz also remains unavailable due to a leg muscle issue.
In their absence, Álex Baena is likely to operate from the left wing, while Pedro Porro is set to start at right‑back, ahead of Marcos Llorente, forming part of a defensive unit that will be anchored by Laporte and Cubarsí.
Spain’s recent results have been equally impressive: a 0‑0 draw with Cape Verde, a 4‑0 thrashing of Saudi Arabia, and a 1‑0 victory over Uruguay in the group stage, followed by a 3‑0 win against Austria and a 1‑0 triumph over Portugal in the knockout rounds.
Belgium, meanwhile, will be looking to break Spain’s defensive wall, but they will have to do so without the full complement of their own star players, adding another layer of intrigue to the encounter.
Should Spain prevail, they will face France in the semi‑finals, a rematch of a tournament that has already seen the French side dominate their own path, setting up a potential clash of the two European heavyweights.