Thibaut Courtois forced off in tears as Belgium’s Spain loss turns on Lammens error

Thibaut Courtois was subbed off in tears on 18 June after sustaining a quadriceps injury during Belgium’s 2-1 World Cup quarter-final loss to Spain in Los Angeles.

What happened to Thibaut Courtois?

Courtois pulled up in the 71st minute of Belgium’s 2026 World Cup quarter-final against Spain, his quadriceps flaring as he tried to continue. The 34-year-old tried to push through but left the field in tears, replaced by Senne Lammens. Manager Rudi Garcia pulled the trigger after Courtois admitted he could no longer hit long goal kicks. “I felt good,” Courtois told reporters after the match. “I had taken two goal kicks. On the second one, I felt more pain. I let them know I couldn’t kick long balls anymore.”

How Spain’s winner turned on Lammens

Belgium’s defeat was sealed when Lammens, making his third international appearance, fumbled Pau Cubarsi’s 88th-minute strike. Merino pounced to score Spain’s winner, ending Belgium’s tournament in Los Angeles. Courtois, though, defended the 21-year-old immediately. “It’s a shame Senne couldn’t quite hold onto that ball,” he said. “We went up to give him a hug after the match. Senne is an excellent keeper.”

Why Courtois’ exit stings beyond the score

Courtois’ forced departure adds to Belgium’s mounting injury list, following Amadou Onana and Youri Tielemans out earlier in the North American campaign. The 34-year-old’s absence left Belgium shorthanded at a pivotal moment, with Lammens’ error proving fatal. Courtois, though, insisted the squad should hold their heads high. “We are the only team that has scored against Spain, one of the biggest favourites,” he said. “Moments like this make you stronger.”

What’s next for Thibaut Courtois and Belgium?

Courtois will undergo intensive medical exams on returning to Real Madrid to assess the muscle damage before pre-season. His international future remains undecided, with Courtois admitting he’ll discuss his options with Garcia and Vincent Mannaert. “I thoroughly enjoyed experiencing this tournament with the squad,” he said. “We will see.” Belgium now faces a rebuilding summer after a painful exit in Los Angeles.