Belgium goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois has declared that the Red Devils are peaking at the right time and believes they can pull off a major upset against European champions Spain in the FIFA World Cup 2026 quarter-finals on Friday.
Growing belief in Belgian camp
After an inconsistent group stage, Belgium have gathered momentum in the knockout rounds. Courtois said the squad's belief has grown ahead of their toughest test yet. "Everyone on our team realises it's possible. I think we have a strong squad with qualities that Spain will have to take into account," Courtois told reporters, as quoted by Reuters.
"There are surprises in every tournament... the Champions League, the Europa League, the World Cup. There are always surprises, and I think we can be one of them. Eliminating the European champions would obviously be a huge upset. The confidence is there," he added after Belgium's commanding 4-1 victory over co-hosts the United States in the Round of 16.
Belgium's tournament trajectory
Belgium's campaign improved steadily after an unconvincing group stage. They topped their group only after a 5-1 win over New Zealand, having earlier been held by Egypt and Iran. In the Round of 32, they staged a dramatic comeback from two goals down in the closing minutes to defeat Senegal 3-2 after extra time.
Reflecting on the team's growing confidence, Courtois said, "People were a bit disappointed in us, but we've set that right. We're getting better and better."
Spain's formidable form
Spain booked their place in the last eight with a dramatic 1-0 victory over Portugal, courtesy of Mikel Merino's 91st-minute winner. Courtois believes the match underlined why Luis de la Fuente's side remain one of the favourites. "I think the goal against Portugal highlights their strengths," he said, according to Reuters.
"We know Lamine Yamal is incredibly talented in one-on-one situations; he's fast, agile, and can beat two players if necessary," Courtois added. Spain have not conceded a goal at the tournament, keeping a record six consecutive FIFA World Cup clean sheets. After topping Group H, they eliminated Austria before edging past Portugal.
Courtois on Spain and personal ties
The Belgian goalkeeper, who spent 11 years playing club football in Spain with Atletico Madrid and Real Madrid, admitted the country remains close to his heart but insisted there would be no divided loyalties. "I've lived in Spain for 11 years, that's a long time, of course. Life runs on a slightly later schedule there, and the weather is better. But ultimately, I remain Belgian. Spain is my second home, though, and I'll probably keep living there after my career ends," Courtois said, according to Reuters.
"I also have two children who are naturally more Spanish than Belgian, but at the end of the day, tomorrow's match is all about Belgium," he said.
Key tactical battle
Courtois identified Spain's possession play and quick pressing as key challenges. "Spain is the favourite, of course. They are excellent in possession, and when they lose the ball, they press quickly. That's where the key lies: knowing how to quickly exploit the space behind their defence," he added.
The winners of the quarter-final will face either France or Morocco in the semi-finals.
