​Thibaut Courtois was substituted in the 71st minute of Belgium’s World Cup quarterfinal defeat to Spain due to an injury, marking a dramatic moment in the high-stakes clash at SoFi Stadium. The 34-year-old goalkeeper, a veteran of Belgium’s national team, left the field in tears after appearing to injure his hip while making a save on Spain’s Mikel Oyarzabal. Courtois briefly sat on the turf during the second-half hydration break and was subsequently replaced by Senne Lammens when play resumed. The sight of Courtois walking off to the Belgium bench in distress underscored the emotional weight of the quarterfinals for a side that had relied on his leadership and shot-stopping prowess throughout the tournament.
Courtois, who has earned 115 caps for Belgium, had been a standout performer in the match up to that point. He had delivered a commendable showing, making four saves from five shots on target and helping to keep Belgium in contention as the scoreline swung in Spain’s favor. His performance, particularly in the opening stages and during tense periods in the second half, demonstrated why he is regarded as one of the premier goalkeepers of his generation. The Belgian defense and midfield would later have to navigate the remainder of the game without their first-choice stopper, a significant blow given the stakes of a World Cup knockout tie.
Before Courtois’ withdrawal, Belgium had managed to draw level at 1-1 thanks to a sharp strike by Charles De Ketelaere, who converted Fabián Ruiz’s earlier opener into a goal that reinforced Belgium’s fighting spirit. The equalizer helped Belgium respond to the Spain goal and kept the match within reach, with Courtois playing a central role in maintaining balance at the back. His saves and command of the penalty area contributed to Belgium’s late chances and their ability to pressure Spain as the clock continued to wind down.
The injury to Courtois also opened the door for Senne Lammens to make his international debut in an unexpectedly high-pressure situation. Lammens, who was appearing in his third cap for Belgium, faced a daunting challenge when he was called into action after Courtois’ departure. He was unable to contain a shot from Pau Cubarsí, and the rebound was subsequently buried by Spain’s Mikel Merino, who reacted quickly to restore Spain’s lead. This sequence proved pivotal, as the goal proved to be the decider in a 2-1 victory for Spain.
Spain’s victory ensured they advance to the semifinals for the first time since winning the World Cup in 2010. The win also set up a marquee matchup against France, with the two teams scheduled to meet on Tuesday at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas. For Spain, the quarterfinal success extended their impressive run in the tournament, reinforcing their status as serious contenders on the global stage. For Belgium, the result marked the end of a challenging campaign and raised questions about the next phase of their transition as a national team, including how they might adapt if Courtois is unavailable in future high-stakes matches.
In the broader context of World Cup coverage, the Belgium-Spain quarterfinal served as a dramatic reminder of how injuries can reshape knockout ties at the sport’s biggest tournament. Courtois’ early exit altered the dynamic of the game, as Belgium had to lean more heavily on Lammens and the remaining defense to try to keep Spain at bay. Although De Ketelaere’s equalizer had kept Belgium within reach, Spain capitalized on the moment of vulnerability to seize control in the final minutes and secure a hard-fought 2-1 win. The semifinalists’ bracket now features Spain facing off against France in Texas, while Belgium’s campaign ends with a poignant moment for a goalkeeper who has long been a cornerstone of their national team.