Joe reckons La Roja are set to book their spot in the final four.
Friday night delivers the second quarter-final at the 2026 FIFA World Cup as defending European champions Spain take on Belgium in Los Angeles.
La Roja are still the only team not to concede a goal at the tournament after cruising through the group stage and eliminating Austria and Portugal to set up this tie with the Red Devils.
Belgium have rode their luck a little up to this point, after drawing twice in the groups and needing extra time to get past Senegal, but a dominant victory over co-hosts USA last time out is a key confidence boost.
This looks set to be a real close call, and Paddy has Joe Cole on hand to give some expert insight. Here are his Spain v Belgium tips. Let’s go!
Spain to win
Mikel Oyarzabal to score
Lamine Yamal to score or assist
Rodri to commit one or more fouls
Dodi Lukebakio to have three or more shots
Charles De Ketelaere to have two or more shots
A Bet Builder with these selections pays approximately 18/1 with Paddy Power. CLICK OR TAP HERE TO ADD IT TO YOUR BETSLIP.
WHEN: Friday, July 10th, 8pm
WHERE: Los Angeles Stadium, Inglewood, California
TV: BBC1/IBBCiPlayer/RTE2
This might be a closer game than people think as there’s a lot of quality in this Belgium side. I know Rudi Garcia really well too and I know how good he is as he managed me at Lille.
Spain are on a brilliant run and they look hard to beat. I can’t go against them and while it’ll be closer than many expect, my first pick on Friday night is Spain to win.
Spain’s centre-forward Mikel Oyarzabal has already bagged four times at this World Cup and he can add to his tally. He’s a proper finisher so I like the Real Sociedad hitman to score.
It’s time for Lamine Yamal to step up and put in a huge performance. He’s been good enough but not to his usual level. I like the Barcelona man to score or assist.
The midfield are will be congested on Friday night and that could lead to a few fouls and cards. I’m on Rodri to commit one or more fouls as the Manchester City man is used to breaking up counter attacks and he’ll have to do the same against Belgium.
I’ve also looked at two Belgium player markets in Dodi Lukebakio to have three or more shots and Charles De Ketelaere to have two or more shots.
Benfica forward Lukebakio has had two more shots in his last three World Cup appearances. He started against the USA after coming off the bench against Iran and Senegal. He could start again and if he does, with more minutes, I like him to have a couple of efforts on goal.
De Ketelaere was brilliant against the USA with the Atalanta man netting twice and setting up one. He had three shots in just 67 minutes and I’m expecting more of the same against Spain.
Spain v Belgium tips
Spain to win
Mikel Oyarzabal to score
Lamine Yamal to score or assist
Rodri to commit one or more fouls
Dodi Lukebakio to have three or more shots
Charles De Ketelaere to have two or more shots
A Bet Builder with these selections pays approximately 18/1 with Paddy Power. CLICK OR TAP HERE TO ADD IT TO YOUR BETSLIP.
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