Jack Norris 
Spain and Belgium are familiar adversaries, meeting for the 23rd time in a World Cup quarterfinal. Spain comes into the match with an unbeaten defensive record, while Belgium aims to challenge with its strong attacking play.
Rodrigo Hernández Cascante, known in football as Rodri, is the central midfielder steering the Spanish national team in the 2026 World Cup. His career journey includes learning to “be bad” under Diego Simeone and experiencing the “Albiceleste gene” with Sergio Agüero and Nicolás Otamendi at Manchester City.
Manchester United are poised to confirm their first summer signing, Ederson, earlier than initially expected. A deal for the Atalanta midfielder to become Michael Carrick’s first new recruit has been in place for weeks, with the completion hastened by Brazil’s recent World Cup exit.
Mikel Oyarzabal and Romelu Lukaku are set to light up the Spain vs Belgium World Cup quarterfinal, with the winner set to move on to play France in the semifinals. Spain or Argentina are assumed to be the biggest threat to France among the remaining teams.
Spain enters their World Cup quarter-final against Belgium without having lost or conceded a single goal in this year’s tournament. La Roja brings an undefeated streak of 36 official matches, dating back to March 2023, into the clash at SoFi Stadium. Belgium, meanwhile, arrives with its own upward trajectory, boasting an 18-match unbeaten run across all competitions.
Ashington AFC, a Northumberland-based semi-professional club, is currently navigating financial strain. This period comes despite the club achieving its highest position in the Northern Premier League East for 55 years.
Kyle Schwarber has announced his participation in the T-Mobile Home Run Derby, joining fellow Phillies teammate Bryce Harper. Schwarber entered Friday leading Major League Baseball with 32 home runs and has a history of reaching the Derby finals. The event is set for Monday night at Citizens Bank Park.
Spain will play Belgium in a World Cup 2026 quarter-final, entering the match having made history. The Spanish side has made history by getting so far in a World Cup without conceding a single goal. This defensive solidity has been built around key performances from defender Pau Cubarsí and goalkeeper Unai Simón.
Mike Boynton Jr. has been named head coach of the University of Michigan men’s basketball programme, agreeing to a two-year contract. He enters his third season in Ann Arbor after helping guide Michigan to one of the greatest two-year stretches in programme history.
Burnley have appointed Genk boss Nicky Hayen as their new head coach on a three-year deal. The 45-year-old Belgian replaces Scott Parker, who left by mutual consent at the end of April.