Rodri and Tielemans hold the keys to this one
Two 4-2-3-1s, two double pivots — and the man who steadies the middle steadies the night.
Spain send out a 4-2-3-1 built around Rodri and Fabián Ruiz, with Lamine Yamal, Dani Olmo and Alex Baena buzzing behind Mikel Oyarzabal. Belgium answer with the same blueprint: Youri Tielemans and Nicolas Raskin screening, Kevin De Bruyne pulling strings, Jérémy Doku and Leandro Trossard hugging the touchlines. Same skeleton, different instincts.
Belgium's recent matches have been the more open; Spain's the lower-scoring. That contrast runs right through the teamsheet. Spain won four and drew one of their last five — the exception a goalless afternoon with Cape Verde. Belgium won three and drew two, a run that lurches from a 5-1 rout to a pair of stalemates.
Charles De Ketelaere carries the freshest evidence: two goals and an assist in the 4-1 win over the USA. He starts. Keep finding those pockets between Cubarsí and Rodri, and the outsiders have a route in. The bookmakers still make Spain strong favourites — and I'd trust the calmer of these midfields to win the argument.
Written and fact-checked by our AI preview desk from live match data. Refreshed as kickoff nears.
