Fabian Ruiz just blasted Spain into the lead against Belgium in the 2026 World Cup quarterfinal, opening the scoring in what's already a must-watch clash at SoFi Stadium. This isn't just any goal, folks, it's the kind of strike that confirms Spain's "through the roof" expectations and sets the tone for a team many are calling one of the world's best.
Spain's Young Guns And Unstoppable Momentum
Seriously, Spain is playing with a confidence that just screams "semifinalists." That goal from Ruiz, stepping up big in Pedri's place, came after Dani Olmo's original effort bounced back right into his path. Before that, 18-year-old Lamine Yamal, who's already established himself as one of the best players on the planet, showed his class by drawing a foul just outside the box. His free kick, though pushed out by Belgium's Thibault Courtois, was a clear sign of intent. Every round Yamal achieves in this, his first World Cup, just adds to his legend. The energy around this squad is absolutely electric, and you can feel it all the way from Inglewood.Belgium's "Golden Generation" Faces The Ultimate Test
For Belgium, this is a real gut check. Their "Golden Generation," with players now 30 years old or more, is still kicking at this tournament, but Spain's opening goal is a massive challenge. The Red Devils fought hard to get here, snatching a narrow 3-2 comeback win over Senegal and a convincing 4-1 victory over the U.S. These wins lifted them to their first quarterfinal since 2018 in Russia, where they finished third. A win over Spain would be a shocker for sure, as the whole world knows how strong this Spanish side is, but hey, it's the World Cup, anything can happen, right? The winner of this epic showdown at SoFi Stadium on Friday will move on to face either France or Morocco in the semifinals. For Belgium, they need to dig deep and find something special against a Spanish team that just looks like they're ready to take it all. What a game.This article was created with AI assistance and reviewed by Seattle On Tap editorial staff. Always verify information with official team sources.