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By Abdullai Lawal, World Cup correspondent

Belgium are set to take on reigning European champions Spain in the FIFA World Cup quarter-finals, with the prize being a semi-final clash against France – a stage Belgium have reached only twice before in their history.

Spain, who lifted the Euro 2024 trophy by defeating England in the final, have been in impeccable form throughout this tournament. They remain unbeaten and are yet to concede a single goal. Their defensive pairing of Pau Cubarsí and Aymeric Laporte has been outstanding, effectively neutralising opposition attacks and maintaining composure under pressure.

Spain comfortably topped Group H, with their only blemish being a surprising draw against Cape Verde. In the Round of 32, they dispatched Austria with ease, thanks to a brace from Mikel Oyarzabal. In their most recent fixture, Luis de la Fuente’s side edged past Portugal after Premier League winner Mikel Merino came off the bench in the 85th minute and scored a dramatic winner six minutes into stoppage time.

The Spanish team are currently enjoying a remarkable unbeaten streak of 35 matches and will be eager to extend it when they face Belgium.

Belgium’s campaign, in contrast, has been turbulent. They began with consecutive draws against Egypt and Iran, before routing New Zealand 5-1 to top Group G on goal difference. Ranked ninth in the FIFA world rankings, Rudi Garcia’s men narrowly avoided elimination against Senegal in the Round of 32 after falling two goals behind and witnessing an on-field dispute between captain Youri Tielemans and Leandro Trossard.

Belgium clawed their way back through goals from Romelu Lukaku and Tielemans, with the captain netting a decisive penalty in the dying moments of extra-time to complete a memorable comeback. In the Round of 16, they convincingly defeated tournament hosts USA 4-1, delivering a statement performance to reach this stage.

Despite Spain’s perfect record, Garcia expressed confidence in his team’s ability to defy the odds. “Statistics are there to be broken,” he said, noting that Belgium are second only to Spain in goals scored during the tournament. He added, “We know we are playing one of the favourites and we know their strength, both individually and collectively, which has been the case for 15 or 20 years now. They are the best when it comes to ball possession and we know they haven’t conceded a goal, but statistics are there to be broken and we’ll do everything we can to score. If not, we’ll be sent packing.”

Spain manager Luis de la Fuente downplayed the notion of favouritism, insisting it would not influence the outcome. “I don’t have any fear about being the favourite or not. The favouritism doesn’t guarantee anything,” he remarked. “What I can tell you is that we’ve done the work. We’ve prepared. We are ready for these kinds of games where, by the way, there are no favourites. Ultimately, whoever’s considered the favourite is just a matter of opinion. We have to focus on our own game and understand that tomorrow will be tough. We must be at our very best to win.”

Leandro Trossard has been Belgium’s standout performer, leading the tournament in chances created with 17 and showcasing his creativity throughout. However, the team suffered a blow with midfielder Amadou Onana sidelined due to an anterior cruciate ligament injury sustained after their emphatic win in Seattle, ruling him out of the rest of the World Cup and beyond.

Spain also have fitness concerns, as Crystal Palace winger Yeremy Pino continues to recover from a shoulder injury sustained against Uruguay, while Nico Williams is nearing a return from a groin issue after training before the Iberian Derby but not featuring.

Belgium last reached the World Cup semi-finals in 2018, where they were beaten by eventual champions France. The Red Devils have never won the tournament. Spain, meanwhile, last made the semi-finals in 2010, when they went on to lift their maiden World Cup title courtesy of Andrés Iniesta’s extra-time winner.

The quarter-final clash in Los Angeles is set for Friday, 10 July, with kick-off scheduled at 20:00 (BST). The match will be broadcast live on BBC One and BBC iPlayer.