Written by Megan Taylor, sports reporter covering international sports since 2020
Thibaut Courtois injury concerns deepened on Friday night as the Belgium goalkeeper was forced off during Belgium’s 2-1 World Cup 2026 quarterfinal defeat to Spain at SoFi Stadium.
Spain advanced to the World Cup semifinals for the first time since winning the tournament in 2010, while Belgium’s campaign ended with one of its senior leaders leaving the field in tears.
For more World Cup coverage, read our latest update on Paul Okon-Engstler’s FC Köln move after his Socceroos World Cup rise.
Courtois Forced Off In Second Half
Thibaut Courtois suffered a quadriceps problem in the second half after going down while saving from Mikel Oyarzabal.
The 34-year-old stayed down around the hydration break before Belgium manager Rudi Garcia replaced him with Senne Lammens in the 71st minute.
Courtois later explained the issue without hiding his disappointment.
"I took a goal kick and I felt a lot of pain in my quadriceps,” he said afterward. “I informed the coaching staff that I felt pain when taking long goal kicks, I had no problem with staying in goal though. In the end the manager decided to take me off, this is no problem as the team goes above everything."
Spain Find Late Winner
Belgium had already been disrupted before kick-off, with Youri Tielemans forced out after picking up a knock in the warmup.
Hans Vanaken came into the starting lineup, and Belgium still responded well after Fabián Ruiz opened the scoring for Spain.
Charles De Ketelaere brought Belgium level at 1-1, with Thibaut Courtois making four saves from five shots on goal to keep the match alive.
Spain’s pressure told after Courtois left the field. Senne Lammens could not hold Pau Cubarsí’s effort, and Mikel Merino reacted first to score the rebound.
Spain then managed the closing minutes with control and will face France on Tuesday at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas.
The result also sends Spain into another major semifinal on the official FIFA World Cup platform, while Belgium are left with a painful exit and concern over one of their greatest players.
