Spain vs Belgium: A History of World Cup Encounters Ahead of 2026 Quarterfinal

Spain and Belgium meet in the 2026 World Cup quarterfinal, and their past is packed with drama. Over 23 official and friendly matches, the rivalry includes a classic 1986 penalty shootout win for Spain. The most emphatic victory came on September 5, 2009, in World Cup 2010 qualifying. At the Santiago Bernabéu, the reigning European champions thrashed Belgium 5-0, with David Silva netting twice, David Villa adding a brace, and Gerard Piqué scoring. It remains Spain’s biggest official win over Belgium. A year earlier, on October 15, 2008, Belgium nearly caused an upset in Brussels. Wesley Sonck put them ahead in the seventh minute, but Andrés Iniesta equalized, and David Villa snatched a 2-1 win in the 88th minute. In 2006 World Cup qualifying, Spain won twice: Raúl and Fernando Torres secured a 2-0 away victory on October 8, 2005, and Raúl plus Fernando Morientes delivered another 2-0 home win on October 9, 2004. During Euro 1996 qualifying, the sides played two memorable matches: Spain won 4-1 in Brussels on December 17, 1994, and drew 1-1 in Seville on March 29, 1995. This rich history adds extra spice to the upcoming quarterfinal, which will decide one of the semifinalists at the World Cup.