Spain benches Pedri for World Cup quarter-final against Belgium; De Bruyne starts for Belgium

Spain's starting lineup for their World Cup quarter-final clash against Belgium sees a notable change, with coach Luis de la Fuente opting to start Fabián Ruiz in midfield instead of Pedri. Pedri had been a consistent starter in all previous matches of the tournament.

Fabián Ruiz returns to the starting eleven, a position he had not occupied since Spain's opening match against Cape Verde, which ended in a goalless draw. The rest of the Spanish squad remains unchanged from their victories against Portugal in the Round of 16, Austria in the Round of 32, and their group stage win over Saudi Arabia.

Belgium's lineup also features significant players, including Kevin De Bruyne, who missed the previous match against the United States due to muscular discomfort, and Jeremy Doku, who was a substitute in that game. However, a last-minute alteration occurred when captain Youri Tielemans suffered discomfort during warm-ups. Hans Vanaken will step in for Tielemans, and Kevin De Bruyne will wear the captain's armband.

The confirmed starting XI for Spain is: Unai Simón, Pedro Porro, Cubarsí, Laporte, Cucurella; Rodri, Fabián Ruiz, Dani Olmo; Lamine Yamal, Oyarzabal, and Baena. Belgium's starting team is: Courtois; Castagne, Ngoy, Mechele, De Cuyper; Raskin, De Bruyne, Vanaken; Doku, De Ketelaere, and Trossard.