Spain advanced to the World Cup semifinals after defeating Belgium 2-1 on July 10, 2026, a match significantly impacted by a crucial injury to Belgian goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois. The quarterfinal showdown, held in Inglewood, California, was anticipated to be a battle of goalkeeping titans, featuring Belgium's Courtois and Spain's Unai Simón.
The match remained goalless for nearly 70 minutes, with both goalkeepers making key saves. Simón's record streak of 650 consecutive shutout minutes was broken when Belgium's Charles De Ketelaere scored the equalizer. However, the game's trajectory shifted in the 67th minute when Courtois sustained a leg injury while making a save.
Courtois indicated he felt pain in his quadriceps but was willing to continue. Nevertheless, manager Rudi Garcia opted to replace him with backup goalkeeper Senne Lammens. "The pain was only for long kicks," Courtois stated after the match. "But I had no problem with staying in goal. The pain was only for long kicks. In the end, the manager decided to take me off, which is no problem, as the team is above everything."
Despite being without their starting goalkeeper, Belgium remained competitive. However, in the 88th minute, Spain's Pau Cubarsí scored from outside the penalty area. Lammens was unable to secure the shot, and Mikel Merino capitalized on the rebound, scoring the decisive goal.
The loss was compounded by other injuries and limitations for Belgium. Captain Youri Tielemans was sidelined due to an injury during warmups, and Kevin De Bruyne's effectiveness diminished as the game progressed. "Between Youri Tielemans not being able to start, Thibaut Courtois getting injured, Kevin De Bruyne not being able to go far in the game, it’s not very favorable for getting a result," Garcia commented. "Yet, we were very close to going to extra time."
Courtois also hinted at uncertainty regarding his future international career. "I want to rest for a year without any Belgium matches, and then play the EURO qualifiers and the 2028 EURO," he said. "I don’t know if Belgium will agree to this." His potential absence could mark the end of a significant period for one of Belgium's most celebrated international players.