Spain have made a surprise selection decision ahead of their FIFA World Cup 2026 quarter-final against Belgium, with midfield maestro Pedri named among the substitutes.
Head coach Luis de la Fuente has opted for an experienced and balanced starting lineup as La Roja seek a place in the semi-finals. Unai Simón starts in goal behind a back four of Pedro Porro, Pau Cubarsí, Aymeric Laporte and Marc Cucurella.
Rodri anchors the midfield alongside Fabián Ruiz, while Dani Olmo operates in an advanced role. Teenage sensation Lamine Yamal and Alex Baena will provide creativity from the flanks, with captain Mikel Oyarzabal leading the attack.
Pedri’s omission from the starting XI is the biggest talking point ahead of the highly anticipated encounter, although the Barcelona midfielder is expected to play an important role from the bench if called upon.
A victory for Spain would secure a place in the FIFA World Cup semi-finals, where France are waiting after defeating Morocco in the quarter-finals.
Spain Starting XI: Unai Simón; Pedro Porro, Pau Cubarsí, Aymeric Laporte, Marc Cucurella; Rodri, Fabián Ruiz; Lamine Yamal, Dani Olmo, Alex Baena; Mikel Oyarzabal.
Belgium XI: Courtois; Castagne, Ngoy, Mechele, De Cuyper; Raskin, Dw Bruyne, Tielemans; Doku, De Ketelaere, Trossard
Samuel Kwame Boadu is a Ghanaian media entrepreneur and storyteller with a passion for amplifying urban voices and uncovering everyday truths. He is the Editor-in-Chief and Founder of The Accra Daily Mail, a dynamic digital platform dedicated to capturing the pulse of Ghana’s capital—its people, culture, challenges, business, sports and innovations.
