2026 World Cup: Four unforgettable matches between Belgium and Spain

10.07.26 FT World Cup

Spain

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Belgium

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The second quarter-final of the World Cup will see Belgium take on Spain.

The Red Devils secured their place at this stage of the tournament after a commanding 4-1 victory over the United States, while La Roja edged past Portugal in the round of 16, grinding out a narrow win by the slimmest of margins.

Spain are targeting a second World Cup title after their 2010 triumph over the Netherlands, courtesy of a memorable goal from Andrés Iniesta. Belgium, meanwhile, are still in pursuit of their first-ever global crown.

Let’s look back at five unforgettable matches between these two European football giants.

Belgium 3-3 Spain

The two sides met in a friendly back in 1951. The clash ended in a thrilling 3-3 draw.

Belgium’s goals came courtesy of Raymond Van Gestel (2) and Auguste Van Steenlant, while Spain’s efforts were delivered by Mariano Gonzalvo III and Zarra (2).

Spain 3-0 Belgium

The Iberians made light work of the Red Devils in a friendly played in 1986.

Spanish goals were netted by Emilio Butragueño (3rd minute), Julio Salinas (41st), and Antonio Maceda (72nd).

This friendly encounter was part of both teams’ preparations for the 1986 World Cup in Mexico.

Belgium 1-4 Spain

The Red Devils were punished again in 1994 during a Euro 1996 qualifier.

Marc Degryse opened the scoring for Belgium, but Spain hit back with goals from Fernando Hierro, Donato, Julio Salinas, and Luis Enrique.

Spain went on to top the qualifying group with 26 points, finishing 11 points clear of Belgium.

Spain 5-0 Belgium

La Roja once again completely dominated the Red Devils in 2009, this time in 2010 World Cup qualifying.

David Silva was the undisputed star of the show, netting a superb hat-trick, while Gerard Piqué added a single goal to the tally.

With their golden generation, Spain went on to claim the 2010 World Cup in emphatic fashion.

Imed Ben Amara |

Editorar, fr

Imed Ben Amara - bilingual sports writer and web editor with experience in football content creation. Since 2021, he has contributed to Foot Africa, providing news coverage and analysis.

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