Belgium overtook Belarus and reached the EURO 2026 playoffs despite a 3–10 thrashing by Spain

The Belgium national futsal team advanced to the EURO 2026 quarterfinals even after suffering a painful 3–10 defeat to Spain. The fate of the qualification spot was decided in a parallel Group C match, and the outcome turned out to be dramatic.

The Spaniards didn’t just win — they set a finals record for most goals scored in a single match and confidently topped the group. However, the Belgians still had a chance to qualify and, after the final whistle, literally gathered at the center of the court to follow the ending of the Slovenia vs Belarus game in Ljubljana.

Only one scenario worked for them — a Belarus victory. That’s exactly what happened: Belarus won 3–2. As soon as the match ended, the Belgians learned they had reached the quarterfinals, and wild celebrations erupted on the court. The team made it past the European Championship group stage for the first time since their debut tournament in 1996.

Final Group C standings

Spain — 9 points
Belgium — 3
Slovenia — 3
Belarus — 3

Three teams finished on three points, and the regulations came into play. In case of a tie, goal difference in matches between those teams was considered. The key result was the opening-round match where Belgium crushed Belarus 4–0 — that margin proved decisive in the standings.

Slovenia — Belarus 2–3

Belarus claimed its historic first-ever win at EURO final tournaments, but it wasn’t enough to advance — the team finished fourth. Slovenia, despite being one of the tournament hosts, ended third and was also eliminated.

The statistics underline the merit of Belarus’ win:

Shots: 50–38
On target: 19–19

A brace in the second half became the decisive factor.

In the quarterfinals, Spain will face the runner-up of Group D, while Belgium will meet the group winner — Portugal. Both matches will take place on Sunday.