Belgium goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois was forced off with a left thigh injury during the second half of the FIFA World Cup 2026 quarterfinal against Spain on Friday in California, leaving the veteran goalkeeper in tears on the bench. The match was level at 1-1 when Courtois went down clutching his thigh midway through the second half, according to USA Today.
Belgium's medical staff treated the Real Madrid shot-stopper on the pitch. He briefly resumed play after a hydration break but soon signaled he could not continue. Senne Lammens replaced Courtois in the 71st minute. The 34-year-old appeared highly emotional on the sidelines, raising fears that his World Cup campaign may be over regardless of Belgium's result against Spain.
De Ketelaere ends Spain's record clean-sheet streak
Earlier in the match, Belgium's Charles De Ketelaere scored in the 41st minute to level the score at 1-1, ending Spain's record-breaking defensive run. Fabian Ruiz had given Spain the lead in the 30th minute. De Ketelaere's goal snapped Spain's streak of 649 consecutive minutes without conceding in the FIFA World Cup, the longest such streak in tournament history, according to OptaJean on X.
Spain's defensive record stretched from their final group-stage match against Japan at the 2022 FIFA World Cup through their unbeaten run in the 2026 edition before De Ketelaere finally breached their defence.
Impact on Belgium's World Cup campaign
Courtois's injury is a major setback for Belgium, who were already without several key players. The goalkeeper has been a cornerstone of the team, and his absence could severely hamper their chances against Spain and beyond. Belgium will hope to overcome Spain without their star goalkeeper, but the emotional reaction from Courtois suggests a serious injury.
