Courtois considers Belgium future after tearful World Cup exit and public rift with coach Garcia

Belgium's 2026 World Cup campaign ended in tears and controversy at SoFi Stadium in Inglewood, California, as a 2-1 quarter-final defeat to Spain triggered a public disagreement between star goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois and head coach Rudi Garcia, and left the 34-year-old's international future in serious doubt.

Spain took the lead in the 30th minute through Paris Saint-Germain midfielder Fabian Ruiz, who capitalised on a rebound from a Courtois save. Belgium responded 11 minutes later with a powerful header from Charles De Ketelaere, ending Spain's remarkable run of 649 minutes without conceding at a World Cup. The match remained balanced at 1-1 until a cascade of events in the second half turned it decisively.

The injury and the substitution

Courtois felt a twinge in his muscle early in the second half while launching a long kick. He continued after receiving treatment but the discomfort returned on another long clearance. In the 71st minute, with the score still 1-1, Garcia made the decision to substitute him, bringing on Manchester United goalkeeper Senne Lammens for his World Cup debut. Courtois left the pitch in tears, visibly distraught at being forced off.

I wanted to continue, but the coach wanted someone 100%, so okay, that's his decision. I wanted to try to play maybe five, 10 more minutes to see, because in goal I was feeling good. I was making the saves, and I was not disturbed to make those saves, and I was only disturbed to kick long.

Garcia defended his call after the match, describing the loss of Courtois as a hard hit but insisting that at this level a player must be at full capacity. Former Sweden forward Zlatan Ibrahimovic, working as an analyst for FOX Sports, was far more blunt, calling it a decision that cost Belgium the match and questioning why Chelsea's Mike Penders was not chosen over Lammens.

Lammens' costly error

Lammens had barely touched the ball when, in the 88th minute, Spain's Pau Cubarsi struck a low shot from outside the box. The ball bounced on a dry pitch and Lammens attempted to gather it cleanly rather than parry it to safety. He spilled the chance and substitute Mikel Merino pounced on the rebound to score the winner, 100 seconds after coming onto the pitch.

I gave him a big hug. I know, for goalkeepers, this is a shit feeling, and he's a great goalkeeper, and he will only get stronger from this.

Merino's late heroics mirrored his intervention against Portugal earlier in the tournament. Spain advanced to only their second ever World Cup semi-final, the first since 2010 when they went on to win the trophy. They will face France in Dallas on Tuesday in a rematch of the Euro 2024 semi-final, which Spain won 2-1.

Courtois questions his international future

In the mixed zone after the match, Courtois made a striking announcement about his plans. He told reporters he wants to take a one-year break from international football, skipping the upcoming Nations League campaign, and return for the Euro 2028 qualifiers. But he acknowledged the decision rests with the Belgian football association.

I'd perhaps like to take a break from the Nations League, as it's not the most important thing. And maybe come back for the Euro qualifiers. But ultimately, it's a decision the football association has to make. If not, well, perhaps today was my last match.

Belgium begin their Nations League campaign on September 25 against Italy, followed by two matches against France and one against Turkey, all packed into a combined September-October international window. Courtois, capped 115 times, tied Manuel Neuer's record of 21 World Cup appearances by a goalkeeper during this match. His eight clean sheets at the tournament trail only Peter Shilton and Fabien Barthez, who hold the record with 10.

Looking ahead

Courtois said he will now rest and undergo an MRI scan to assess the thigh injury, adding he does not believe it is serious and hopes to be fit for the start of the club season with Real Madrid by mid-August. Real Madrid will be managed by Jose Mourinho in the coming campaign, a prospect Courtois described as highly motivating. For Belgium, should Courtois step away, Lammens and Chelsea's Mike Penders are expected to compete for the number one jersey.

Garcia reflected on the defeat as a matter of fine margins against elite opposition.

Thibaut was there to keep the ball out of the net, but unfortunately to beat a team of this calibre, the stars weren't aligned.