Read for 2 minutesUpdated: 10 July 2026 07:36 PM IST
Powerhouses France, Spain and Belgium will battle it out for a place in the FIFA World Cup 2026 semi-finals in the second quarter-final at the Sophie Stadium in Los Angeles on Friday.
Mikel Merino came off the bench to score the winner in injury time as La Rosa beat Portugal in a tight game. Meanwhile, Belgium defeated co-hosts USA 4-1.
British referee Michael Oliver will officiate the game, which will start at 12:30 am IST.
Who is Michael Oliver?
This is Oliver’s second World Cup and his fourth assignment in the tournament. He has previously overseen Netherlands-Sweden, Norway-France and Canada-Morocco. Having made over 425 Premier League and 47 Champions League appearances at club level, the 41-year-old brings vast experience to the big stage. He is known as the most trusted official for both UEFA and FIFA.
Spain vs Belgium will be his seventh World Cup match; His past six include the Croatia-Brazil quarter-final in Qatar and three matches at this tournament. Morocco beat Canada 3-0 in the Round of 16.
Stuart Burt and James Mainwaring are both Englishmen, while Ramon Abati of Brazil will act as the fourth official. Oliver has never worked for Spain or Belgium at a major tournament, so both teams will find their style together.
FIFA only restricts referees from officiating matches involving their own country, so an English official can take charge of the quarter-finals when England are in the tournament. The winner of this match will not face England until the final.
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The winner of the clash will face 2018 champions and 2022 finalists France, who are coming off a dominant 2-0 win over Morocco in their quarter-final match.
Referee for Spain vs Belgium FIFA World Cup quarter-final match
- Umpire: Michael Oliver (England)
- Assistant Referee 1: Stuart Burt (England)
- Assistant Referee 2: James Mainwaring (England)
- Fourth Officer: Ramon Abatti (Brazil)