Barcelona World Cup Spotlight: Cubarsi, Lamine Yamal impress for Spain vs Belgium | OneFootball

The second quarter-final of the 2026 FIFA World Cup took place last night, with Spain facing Belgium.

Both teams knew that a win would secure their place in the semi-finals, where France await, and La Roja came into this game as favourites.

Spain dominated most of the game in terms of possession, passes and chances created, but they were not always able to get the final shot away, at least effectively.

Fabian Ruiz opened the scoring for La Roja in the first half after Dani Olmo’s shot was deflected into his path.

Belgium equalised through Charles de Ketelaere just before half-time, and Spain had to wait until after the 85th minute, once Mikel Merino came on, to get the winner.

As always, whenever Spain play, there is a lot of interest from a Barcelona perspective due to the number of players involved.

Here is how Spain’s Barça stars fared last night.

Pau Cubarsi vs Belgium

For Barcelona fans, Cubarsi’s involvement in the winner was the most satisfying detail. It was not officially his goal, but his shot created the panic that ended with Merino sending Spain into the last four.

Cubarsi impressed yet again for Spain. (Photo by Carl Recine/Getty Images)

For a teenage centre-back to influence a World Cup quarter-final in that way says plenty about his confidence.

Defensively, this was another mature night from Cubarsi. Belgium carried real danger through De Ketelaere and Jeremy Doku, and Spain conceded for the first time in the tournament, but Cubarsi never looked overwhelmed by the stage.

He continues to play like someone who belongs in these games.

Lamine Yamal vs Belgium

Lamine Yamal was again Spain’s main source of attacking personality. He was named Man of the Match for his constant threat.

What stands out with Lamine is how normal this already feels. Opponents prepare for him, defenders double up on him, and he still finds ways to influence the game.

At 18, he is not just a young player enjoying the ride. He is part of Spain’s attacking identity.

Dani Olmo vs Belgium

Dani Olmo was outrageously good for Spain last night. He may not have scored or directly assisted a goal at this World Cup, but he has been one of La Roja’s best players.

The attacking midfielder found space between the lines, used clever body feints to escape pressure and looked sharp from minute one until he was taken off.

Olmo standing out once more. (Photo by David Ramos/Getty Images)

It was his shot that Courtois deflected back into Fabian Ruiz’s path for Spain’s first goal, and he was everywhere on the pitch.

Pedri vs Belgium

One of the biggest surprises last night was Pedri being left on the bench. The Barcelona midfielder did come on in the second half but could not do much to influence the game.

He seems to be playing within himself at this World Cup, and Barcelona fans will hope he finally has a sensational game against France.

Ferran Torres vs Belgium

Ferran Torres came off the bench just before the hour mark alongside Pedri and looked lively. He made smart runs into the box, something that Alex Baena failed to do during his time on the pitch, and linked up well with his teammates.

Ferran shifted into a central role once Oyarzabal was taken off and continued to be a threat without directly influencing the game.

Overall, this was a huge Barcelona night. Lamine carried threat, Olmo was brilliant and Cubarsi came up with a match-winning involvement.

The semi-final against France will be another level entirely. It will be the final before the final, and it remains to be seen how these Barça stars fare in the game.