European champions Spain will face Belgium in a FIFA World Cup quarter-final on Friday at SoFi Stadium in Los Angeles, with a place in the semi-finals against France at stake.

Spain head into the tie with one of the tournament’s strongest defensive records, having yet to concede a goal. Victory would set up a highly anticipated last-four clash against Kylian Mbappé’s France in Texas next Tuesday.

While Spain have relied on disciplined, possession-based football, Belgium have grown stronger as the tournament has progressed. The Red Devils produced an emphatic 4-1 victory over the United States in the Round of 16 after overcoming a slow start to the competition.

Barcelona teenager Lamine Yamal has yet to reach his best form, scoring once in five matches after arriving at the tournament with a late-season injury. Spain coach Luis de la Fuente admitted the 18-year-old has not shown the level of attacking influence fans have come to expect.

“We know that the best version of him, the attacking Lamine, is something that we haven’t quite seen yet in this World Cup,” De la Fuente said.

In Yamal’s absence, Mikel Oyarzabal has stepped up with four goals, including a brace in Spain’s 3-0 victory over Austria in the Round of 32.

Belgium, meanwhile, are hoping to extend the farewell run of their experienced squad, featuring Romelu Lukaku, Kevin De Bruyne and Thibaut Courtois. Head coach Rudi Garcia dismissed suggestions that his side are already beaten.

“Everyone is already talking about us going home. But we think that we can do it. We think we can pull it off, and we’re going to do everything we can to get to the semi-finals,” Garcia said.

Elsewhere, England have suffered a defensive setback ahead of Saturday’s quarter-final against Norway, with Marc Guehi doubtful due to a hamstring injury, while Jarell Quansah is suspended. On Thursday, France booked their place in the semi-finals with a 2-0 victory over Morocco, as Mbappé scored before being substituted as a precaution after picking up a minor foot knock.