Thibaut Courtois' FIFA World Cup 2026 campaign ended in heartbreaking fashion after the Belgium goalkeeper was forced off with an apparent leg injury during his side's 2-1 quarter-final defeat to Spain at Los Angeles Stadium on Friday. The veteran shot-stopper left the field in tears in the 71st minute after signalling that he could not continue, with Belgium level at 1-1 before Spain eventually found a late winner through substitute Mikel Merino to book a semi-final meeting with France.
Courtois later revealed he first felt the injury while taking a goal kick but insisted he was still willing to continue. "I took a goal kick and I felt a lot of pain in my quadriceps," he said after the match. "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."
ALSO READ | Spain vs Belgium Highlights: Mikel Merino's Late Winner Fires La Roja Into World Cup 2026 Semi-Finals
The Real Madrid goalkeeper appeared to suffer the injury shortly before a hydration break, clutching his leg before receiving treatment on the pitch. He was eventually replaced by Senne Lammens, whose introduction proved to be a turning point as Spain continued to press and found the decisive goal in the 88th minute after the substitute goalkeeper was unable to deal with Pau Cubarsi's long-range effort, allowing Merino to pounce on the loose ball.
Before his injury, Courtois had once again underlined his importance to Belgium with an assured display between the posts. He made four crucial saves to keep Spain at bay, while the only goal he conceded before being substituted came from Fabian Ruiz's heavily deflected strike in the 30th minute, which looped beyond his reach after taking a wicked ricochet. Courtois was also heavily involved in Belgium's build-up play, completing 22 of his 29 passes as the Red Devils attempted to play through Spain's high press.
The 34-year-old had been one of Belgium's standout performers throughout the tournament. The quarter-final against Spain marked his 21st FIFA World Cup appearance, moving him into sole possession of second on the all-time list for World Cup appearances by a goalkeeper, behind only Germany's Manuel Neuer (23).
ALSO READ | Resale Prices For World Cup Final Seat Surge Up To $11.5 Million On FIFA Marketplace
Essential Business Intelligence, Sharp Market Insights, Practical Personal Finance Advice, Daily Fuel, Gold and Silver Prices and Latest Stories — On NDTV Profit.