In this World Cup, Spain has not conceded a single goal so far. Not only that, in the process of defeating Cristiano Ronaldo's Portugal, Spain became the first team to keep a clean sheet in six consecutive World Cup matches.
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When Belgium faces Spain in the quarterfinals of the 2026 World Cup on Friday, they will have a single challenge: breaking through the opponent’s defense. So far in this World Cup, Spain has not conceded a single goal. Not only that, in their victory over Cristiano Ronaldo’s Portugal, Spain became the first team to keep a clean sheet in six consecutive World Cup matches.
Spain’s attack has not yet shown sharpness, but for the first time since winning the World Cup in South Africa in 2010, they are playing with greater caution and more ball control. Talented player Lamine Yamal, who is still in the process of fully recovering from injury, is currently the key attacking player for Spain. However, he has scored only one goal in five matches.
Mikel Oyarzabal has shone in his place, having already scored four goals. He netted two goals in the victory over Austria. Barcelona midfielder Dani Olmo believes that as the tournament progresses, Yamal is gaining valuable experience. He says, “Just his presence has a big impact on the game. When he has the ball under control, two or three opposing players tend to get close to him, which creates opportunities elsewhere.”
He adds, “Lamine not only scores goals, he also creates chances for goals. He has consistently delivered such performances in his short career so far. Even when he is not doing so, he is helping us to do just that.”
One real fact is that Spain does not need many goals to win. Spain has scored only six goals in their five matches so far, and that has been enough. Olmo says, “The special thing about our team is that everyone attacks and everyone also plays a defensive role. The coach’s instruction is that in our team, the number 9 is the kind of player whose job is to defend, and then others can follow him.”
He openly praises his defense and considers it a milestone achievement. He also credits goalkeeper Unai Simón for this. On the other hand, Belgium’s journey to the quarterfinals has not been as smooth, with plenty of ups and downs. Coming back to win after trailing by two goals against Senegal was not easy.
However, the recent win over the United States was much more comfortable in many ways, with Charles De Ketelaere scoring two goals. This World Cup could be the last major tournament for Belgium’s golden generation, which includes midfielder Kevin De Bruyne and striker Romelu Lukaku. Coincidentally, both are currently playing for Napoli. Neither player was able to start against the United States.
But Lukaku did manage to score as a substitute. His World Cup goal tally has reached eight, equaling Diego Maradona and Rudi Völler. Another key player from this golden generation is goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois, who will also face the challenge of performing well. Coach Rudi Garcia is not lacking in good players, and that list includes Manchester City winger Jérémy Doku and Arsenal’s Leandro Trossard.
This match against Spain will be Belgium’s third quarterfinal in four World Cup editions, but this team has yet to reach the final. Although Spain is considered a major force in world football, they have advanced beyond the last eight only twice. Apart from the 1950 World Cup, Spain has only gone further when they won the World Cup title.
