MADRID, July 10, 2026 — Thibaut Courtois, Real Madrid goalkeeper and Belgium captain, declared his team the underdog that will upset Spain in Friday’s World Cup quarterfinal. The match kicks off at 9:00 PM local time (3:00 PM ET) at the Santiago Bernabéu.
Citing Belgium’s defensive resilience, Courtois told ESPN that “we can beat them.” The statement reframes a tie bookmakers rate heavily in Spain’s favor. Belgium, a team that has never won the World Cup, now carries a psychological edge.
Spain Predicted Lineup vs. Belgium: Tactical Breakdown
According to SI.com analysis, Spain head coach Luis de la Fuente will field a 4-3-3 formation. The predicted XI is:
| Position | Player |
|---|---|
| GK | Unai Simón |
| RB | Dani Carvajal |
| CB | Robin Le Normand |
| CB | Aymeric Laporte |
| LB | Marc Cucurella |
| CM | Rodri |
| CM | Pedri |
| CM | Fabián Ruiz |
| RW | Lamine Yamal |
| LW | Dani Olmo |
| ST | Álvaro Morata |
Spain’s possession-based game will face Belgium’s compact, counter-attacking structure.
Belgium’s Probable XI: Courtois & the Last Stand
Belgium’s expected lineup features Courtois in goal. Kevin De Bruyne orchestrates midfield. Romelu Lukaku leads the attack. The formation likely shifts to a 3-4-3 or 5-2-3, sitting deep to absorb pressure.
Key players: Youri Tielemans and Amadou Onana in midfield pivots. Jeremy Doku and Johan Bakayoko on the flanks for speed.
Where to Watch Belgium vs Spain: Live Stream & TV
For U.S. viewers: the match streams exclusively on FOX One. A 2-month subscription costs $19.99 (promotional offer). TV channel: FOX. Start time: 3:00 PM ET / 12:00 PM PT.
International viewers: check local broadcasters. In the UK, BBC One and ITV share coverage. In Spain, Telecinco and RTVE.
Head-to-Head: Belgium vs Spain in World Cups
The nations have met once in World Cup history. Spain beat Belgium 2-1 in the 2010 group stage. Spain went on to win the tournament. Belgium has not advanced past the semifinals.
Key Battles: Courtois vs Morata; De Bruyne vs Rodri
Courtois faces Morata, his former club teammate at Real Madrid. The goalkeeper’s reaction time against Morata’s aerial threat is critical.
In midfield, De Bruyne’s creativity collides with Rodri’s defensive anchor. Rodri leads La Roja in interceptions per game (2.1). De Bruyne averages 3.2 key passes per match.
Prediction: Can Belgium Pull Off the Upset?
Spain’s depth and form favor them. They have won 12 consecutive matches. But tournament football rewards defensive solidity. Belgium has conceded only one goal in four games.
Scoreline prediction: Spain 1-1 Belgium (Spain win on penalties). Courtois’ prediction adds volatility, but data favors Spain’s controlled possession.
FAQ: Everything You Need to Know
- What time is the match? 9:00 PM CEST (3:00 PM ET).
- Who is the referee? Daniele Orsato (Italy).
- How can I watch in my country? FOX One (USA), BBC One (UK), Telecinco (Spain).
- Betting odds? Spain -125, Belgium +350, draw +240 (per DraftKings).
💡 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
- Q: When and where is the Belgium vs Spain World Cup quarterfinal?
- A: The match kicks off at 9:00 PM local time (3:00 PM ET) on Friday, July 10, 2026, at the Santiago Bernabéu in Madrid.
- Q: What did Thibaut Courtois say about Belgium’s chances?
- A: Courtois declared Belgium the underdog that will upset Spain, stating ‘we can beat them’ and citing the team’s defensive resilience.
- Q: What is Spain’s predicted lineup and formation?
- A: Spain is expected to field a 4-3-3 formation with Unai Simón in goal, Rodri, Pedri, and Fabián Ruiz in midfield, and Álvaro Morata leading the attack.
- Q: How can I watch Belgium vs Spain in the U.S.?
- A: The match streams exclusively on FOX One (2-month subscription for $19.99) and airs on FOX TV channel.
Extended Reading
For detailed lineup analysis, refer to SI.com’s breakdown of Spain’s predicted XI. For Courtois’ full statement, the ESPN original story remains the primary source. FOX One’s streaming deal covers all 104 World Cup matches.