2026 World Cup: Spain and Belgium line up in 4-2-3-1 at SoFi Stadium

Spain, coached by Luis de la Fuente, are looking to consolidate their progress in the tournament by relying on a young and dynamic team. Belgium, under the direction of Rudi Garcia, hope to reverse the trend and capitalize on their experienced individuals to reach the semi-finals.

The major decisions made by both coaching staffs are visible in the starting elevens, notably with key players taking their places at kick-off who could influence the course of the match. Tactical management will be all the more important given that both teams have a similar structure, encouraging intensity and control in midfield.

The substitutes and some notable absences complete these selections, but the starting elevens, all taken from official data, promise a balanced and technical contest.

Analysis of Spain’s starting eleven

Spain have opted for a 4-2-3-1 built around a back four, with Unai Simón in goal. The defensive line includes Pedro Porro and Marc Cucurella on the flanks, alongside Pau Cubarsí and Aymeric Laporte in central defense. In midfield, Rodri and Fabián Ruiz occupy the double pivot, providing ball recovery and build-up play.

The attacking trio behind lone striker Mikel Oyarzabal consists of Lamine Yamal on the left, Dani Olmo as the attacking playmaker and Alex Baena on the right. This setup allows Spain to combine creativity with defensive discipline, with players capable of operating at high intensity on the wings and in midfield.

Head coach Luis de la Fuente is relying on youth and technical ability, with versatile profiles such as Baena and Yamal able to provide dynamism as well as options for maintaining possession.

Analysis of Belgium’s starting eleven

Belgium are also lining up in a 4-2-3-1, with Thibaut Courtois in goal. The defense features Timothy Castagne and Maxim De Cuyper as full-backs, supporting Brandon Mechele and Nathan Ngoy in central defense. In midfield, the double pivot is occupied by Youri Tielemans and Nicolas Raskin, combining experience and energy.

The attacking trio consists of Leandro Trossard, Kevin De Bruyne and Jérémy Doku, offering creativity and attacking drive. Charles De Ketelaere is positioned as the central striker. This system allows Belgium to rely on the technical quality and vision of their midfielders to develop their attacks.

Head coach Rudi Garcia is trusting a relatively balanced group, with some absences including André Onana, who suffered a torn cruciate ligament. This does not directly affect the starting lineup but changes the options in goal.