Fabian Ruiz starts for Spain against Belgium in World Cup quarter-final

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·11 July 2026

Fabian Ruiz starts for Spain against Belgium in World Cup quarter-final

Fabian Ruiz has been picked ahead of Pedri to start Spain’s World Cup quarter-final against Belgium in Los Angeles at 21:00 on Friday.

According to L'Équipe, the PSG midfielder returns to the starting XI, his first start since Spain’s tournament opener against Cape Verde, which finished 0-0.

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Pedri makes way in midfield after a mixed display in the 1-0 last-16 win over Portugal.

Luis de la Fuente keeps the rest of the side unchanged from the team that edged the Seleçao late. Dani Olmo operates behind Mikel Oyarzabal, with Lamine Yamal on the right and Alex Baena on the left.

Spain’s XI: Simon in goal, Porro, Cubarsi, Laporte and Cucurella in defence, Rodri, captain, with Fabian Ruiz in midfield, Lamine Yamal, Olmo and Baena supporting Oyarzabal.

Source: L'Équipe