- Spain have won 4 consecutive matches, including a 3-0 win over Austria and a 1-0 win over Portugal in this FIFA World Cup - Knockout Stage 2026.
- Belgium have won their last 3 matches, including wins over New Zealand, Senegal and USA to reach this stage of the competition.
- Spain are unbeaten in their last 10 across all competitions, winning 6 and drawing 4. Belgium are unbeaten in 10 across all competitions, drawing 3 and winning 7.
An intriguing contrast in styles
Luis de la Fuente's Spain are an interesting team to watch as they have a clear structure and have been well-drilled since he took over as manager on 8 December 2022. They are a possession-first side that moves the ball in short, sharp passes and rotates to create overloads wide that are designed to wear teams down.
Rudi Garcia has Belgium playing a very different style, although there is some hybridisation on display with the Red Devils switching between a 4-2-3-1 and 4-3-3 depending on how the game is going. They do press when they need to, but they have a much more vertical approach in terms of trying to spring attacks, using Kevin De Bruyne's brilliance to pick out runs in behind and pace on the flanks when Spain's press is beaten.
Betting markets
Backing Spain at 67/100 does not appeal, although they are a strong side that are in good form. They have won their last 4 games, while Belgium come into this knockout stage with a three-game winning streak of their own.
This game should be close and tense as it is a clash of control versus vertical speed. Spain are very compact and have a strong balance to their team with the likes of Oyarzabal in form, giving de la Fuente a reliable edge in the final third to cap off some good attacking work.
Belgium have some firepower of their own and can be devastating when De Bruyne or Belgium's forward rotation with Romelu Lukaku or Charles De Ketelaere can be brought into the game. However, the way Belgium are playing and the momentum they have can make this a close, live knockout match.
