De Ketelaere Breaks Historic Defensive Run
Belgium ended Spain's record-breaking defensive run at the FIFA World Cup on July 10, 2026, when Charles De Ketelaere scored in the 41st minute to snap the longest clean-sheet streak in tournament history. The goal leveled the quarterfinal clash at 1-1 after Fabian Ruiz had given Spain the lead in the 30th minute.
According to OptaJean, the goal ended Spain's remarkable run of 649 consecutive minutes without conceding in the FIFA World Cup, the longest such streak in the tournament's history. Spain's defensive record stretched from their final group-stage match against Japan at the 2022 FIFA World Cup through their unbeaten run in the 2026 edition.
Match Details and Records
Belgium's equalizer not only brought the match back on level terms but also ended one of the most remarkable defensive records in World Cup history. Additionally, according to OptaJose, Lamine Yamal made his sixth FIFA World Cup appearance, the outright most by a player aged 18 or younger in the competition.
Ahead of the clash, Spain and Belgium players paid tribute to the victims of the Almeria fires by observing a minute's silence. The Spanish Men's National Football Team shared the moment on X, expressing condolences: "Respectful minute of silence at the Los Angeles stadium to honor the victims of the Almeria fires. Rest in peace."
