Belgium’s World Cup journey ends after Spain defeat, Courtois exits in tears

By Rohan Gupta — 11 July 2026 — 3 min read

Belgium’s World Cup Exit and Injury Woes

Belgium faced a challenging exit from the World Cup quarter-finals after a defeat against Spain. The match saw key players succumb to injuries, significantly impacting the team’s performance. Manager Rudi Garcia had to contend with a depleted squad even before kick-off, as several vital players were unavailable.

Amadou Onana was ruled out of the tournament due to a torn anterior cruciate ligament sustained in the previous match against the USA. Additionally, Zeno Debast was omitted from the squad due to a disagreement between Belgium and Sporting regarding his fitness. Minutes before the game, Youri Tielemans, who had been a standout performer and started every match, suffered an injury during the warm-up and was replaced by Hans Vanaken.

The match itself saw Jérémy Doku return to the lineup, showing more dynamism than in the group stage. He created space by cutting into the channels, drawing Spain’s midfield out of position. However, his proactive play also left him vulnerable defensively, as seen when Pedro Porro advanced for a cross, leading to Fábian Ruiz’s goal.

Veterans’ Valiant Effort and Courtois’ Emotional Departure

Despite the setbacks, Belgium demonstrated resilience. Charles De Ketelaere, who had trained with Romelu Lukaku, showcased his refined approach up front. He scored an equalizer in the 39th minute, heading home a pass from Timothy Castagne after a play initiated by Kevin De Bruyne.

As the game progressed, Belgium’s veteran players were increasingly relied upon. Leandro Trossard was substituted after an hour, making way for Lukaku, with De Ketelaere moving wider. Axel Witsel also entered the game, meaning all four veterans from the 2014 World Cup squad were on the pitch with half an hour remaining.

A significant moment occurred in the 71st minute when goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois, who had been crucial throughout the tournament, was forced off due to a muscle injury. Despite attempting to continue, he was replaced by Senne Lammens. Courtois was visibly emotional, leaving the field in tears as fans from both nations applauded his performance. Garcia later noted Courtois’s excellent performance throughout the World Cup and the difficulty of his injury.

Kevin De Bruyne also struggled with fitness, eventually being substituted after receiving a yellow card for a challenge on Ferran Torres. Garcia used his final substitution to replace De Bruyne to prevent further exploitation of his condition.

Spain Secures Victory in Closing Minutes

The decisive goal came in the 88th minute. Senne Lammens, who replaced Courtois, was unable to secure a shot from Pau Cubarsí, spilling it into the box. Mikel Merino capitalized on the loose ball, scoring to put Spain 2-1 ahead. This goal sent Spain into their first semi-final since 2010 and ended Belgium’s World Cup campaign.

While Courtois may potentially participate in a future World Cup, this tournament is likely the last for several members of Belgium’s experienced generation. Despite the loss, Garcia’s team showed considerable resolve, providing a strong challenge to the European champions until the final whistle.

Source: theguardian.com

Rohan Gupta

Sports Reporter