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Editor's note: Follow Spain vs. Belgium live in World Cup quarterfinal play.
Microsoft Copilot hasn't seen a single 2026 World Cup match, but boy, has it read about every one.
This article's author has seen many of this year's matches while assisting USA TODAY Sports' wall-to-wall World Cup coverage. While neither my AI sidekick or I are international soccer experts, we have notes.
Here's who Microsoft's AI thinks will win the Friday, July 10 quarterfinal between Spain and Belgium, along with a little back-and-forth banter between man and machine.
Microsoft Copilot: Spain
Eric Larsen: Spain
Copilot: Spain 2, Belgium 1
Larsen: Spain 2, Belgium 0
Copilot, citing a number of outlets, points to Spain's elite defense, ability to control possession, and what it calls the "Lamine Yamal factor" in the 18-year-old's game-changing ability.
In watching both Spain and Belgium throughout the tournament, I just don't see how Spain's defense and ability to control possession won't stifle Belgium. Belgium was able to score four goals against a U.S. team that looked indecisive on defense from the start. Spain is a different beast entirely.
Copilot cites Belgium's attacking talent, transition game and "momentum" after the win over USA in the round of 16. I say that momentum only makes it hurt more when you run into a brick wall. As Copilot points out, Belgium does have nifty attacking talent and the potential to strike quickly if they catch Spain out of sorts. I just don't see that happening.
Copilot: Mikel Oyarzabal and Lamine Yamal. Spain's top scorer and soccer wunderkind both find the back of the net in their win. Copilot likes Kevin De Bruyne to create for Belgium.
Larsen: Oyarzabel seems like a good bet, given his four goals in this tournament. I say that Yamal assists, setting up Oyarzabel or attacking midfielder Alex Baena for his second score of the tournament.
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: AI predictions for Spain vs. Belgium World Cup quarterfinal
Continue reading...
Microsoft Copilot hasn't seen a single 2026 World Cup match, but boy, has it read about every one.
This article's author has seen many of this year's matches while assisting USA TODAY Sports' wall-to-wall World Cup coverage. While neither my AI sidekick or I are international soccer experts, we have notes.
Here's who Microsoft's AI thinks will win the Friday, July 10 quarterfinal between Spain and Belgium, along with a little back-and-forth banter between man and machine.
Who will win Spain vs. Belgium World Cup quarterfinal?
Microsoft Copilot: Spain
Eric Larsen: Spain
What will the Spain vs. Belgium World Cup score be?
Copilot: Spain 2, Belgium 1
Larsen: Spain 2, Belgium 0
Why we lean Spain
Copilot, citing a number of outlets, points to Spain's elite defense, ability to control possession, and what it calls the "Lamine Yamal factor" in the 18-year-old's game-changing ability.
In watching both Spain and Belgium throughout the tournament, I just don't see how Spain's defense and ability to control possession won't stifle Belgium. Belgium was able to score four goals against a U.S. team that looked indecisive on defense from the start. Spain is a different beast entirely.
Why Belgium can win
Copilot cites Belgium's attacking talent, transition game and "momentum" after the win over USA in the round of 16. I say that momentum only makes it hurt more when you run into a brick wall. As Copilot points out, Belgium does have nifty attacking talent and the potential to strike quickly if they catch Spain out of sorts. I just don't see that happening.
Who will score in Spain vs. Belgium?
Copilot: Mikel Oyarzabal and Lamine Yamal. Spain's top scorer and soccer wunderkind both find the back of the net in their win. Copilot likes Kevin De Bruyne to create for Belgium.
Larsen: Oyarzabel seems like a good bet, given his four goals in this tournament. I say that Yamal assists, setting up Oyarzabel or attacking midfielder Alex Baena for his second score of the tournament.
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: AI predictions for Spain vs. Belgium World Cup quarterfinal
Continue reading...
