World Cup
King Filip joins Rode Duivels in Los Angeles for quarter-final showdown
King Filip will personally attend Belgium’s World Cup quarter-final against Spain in Los Angeles this Friday, lending royal support to the Rode Duivels.
The Belgian monarch’s presence marks a tradition he cherishes: attending at least one match per major tournament since his reign began in 2013. His appearances have coincided with key moments, including Belgium’s 1-0 win over Russia at the 2014 World Cup in Brazil and their semi-final defeat to France at the 2018 edition in Russia.
The timing of this trip is dictated by logistics. The Royal Palace confirmed that the Belgian team has played all prior matches on the US and Canadian West Coast, each requiring nearly three days of travel including a 15-hour flight. A state visit by the Emperor and Empress of Japan further constrained the king’s schedule, preventing an earlier departure.
King Filip will travel alone this time, using a Dassault Falcon 7X government jet to Los Angeles. The trip is coordinated by the Koninklijke Belgische Voetbalbond, the Belgian embassy in Washington and the consulate-general in Los Angeles, handling protocol, security and stadium access. He may meet the players shortly before kick-off.
Belgium’s third World Cup quarter-final in 12 years defies the doubters
In the stadium, the king will occupy an official VIP box. FIFA president Gianni Infantino is expected to share the space, as he typically resides in such exclusive areas. There is no indication that US President Donald Trump will attend the clash against Spain, nor have bilateral meetings been requested from either side. The venue itself reflects unparalleled luxury. The SoFi Stadium in Inglewood, valued at €5 billion, is the most expensive sports venue in the world. Its 260 premium suites offer gourmet catering, though availability remains limited for this stage of the tournament. A suite costs at least €80,000 for 18 tickets. Even standard tickets on Ticketmaster are priced beyond reach for most fans. The cheapest seat currently costs $1,785 (around €1,560) in the upper tier, section 518, row 7. Better seats command thousands more, though Belgian supporters hope the early US exit may free up more affordable options. The Royal Palace has confirmed preparations for multiple scenarios. If Belgium advances, arrangements are being made to assess the feasibility of attending the semi-final or final, scheduled for 19 July with Belgium’s National Day two days later.