Pedri Ruled Out of Quarterfinal Clash
Spain's midfield maestro Pedri has been officially ruled out of the FIFA World Cup 2026 quarterfinal against Belgium, scheduled for July 10 in Los Angeles. The Spanish Football Federation (RFEF) confirmed on Wednesday that the 23-year-old Barcelona star suffered a muscle injury in his right hamstring during a training session two days before the match.
According to RFEF's medical report, Pedri felt discomfort after a sprint drill and subsequent scans revealed a Grade 1 strain. He will undergo rehabilitation and is expected to be sidelined for approximately two to three weeks, ruling him out of the remainder of the tournament if Spain progress.
Impact on Spain's Midfield
Pedri's absence is a significant blow for Spain, as he has been a key playmaker throughout the tournament, contributing two assists and completing 92% of his passes in four matches. Head coach Luis de la Fuente will likely turn to either Dani Olmo or Gavi to fill the creative void in midfield. Olmo, who has recovered from a minor knock, is the favorite to start.
"It's a tough loss for us. Pedri is a unique talent, but we have a deep squad capable of adapting," De la Fuente said during a press conference. "We trust the players who step up."
Belgium's Preparation
Belgium, led by Kevin De Bruyne, will aim to exploit Spain's midfield reshuffle. The Red Devils advanced to the quarterfinals after a dramatic penalty shootout win over Portugal. Coach Domenico Tedesco noted, "Spain are still dangerous, but Pedri's absence changes their dynamic. We have prepared for different scenarios."
The match will be played at SoFi Stadium in Los Angeles, with kickoff at 7 PM local time. Spain are seeking their second World Cup title, while Belgium aim for their first.
