Thibaut Courtois pulled from match as Belgium eliminates by Spain
Yahoo Sports • 1 min read • Latest: Jul 11, 2026, 12:20 AM
Last updated Jul 11, 2026
Thibaut Courtois wanted to continue playing but was substituted by Belgium manager Rudi Garcia during their World Cup quarterfinal against Spain on July 10 at SoFi Stadium. Courtois sensed a thigh injury and was replaced in the 71st minute for Senne Lammens. Spain secured a 2-1 victory with a late goal from Mikel Merino in the 88th minute, resulting in Belgium's elimination. Courtois consoled Lammens after the game, acknowledging the emotional toll on a goalkeeper after a mistake leads to a goal. Garcia expressed satisfaction with his decision to prioritize player fitness despite the result.
- •Courtois made four saves before his substitution.
- •Belgium was leading 1-1 at the time of the substitution.
- •Merino scored the winning goal for Spain late in the match.
- •Garcia emphasized the need for fully fit players during the tournament.
- •Courtois has faced ongoing muscle injuries over the past 18 months.
- 12:20 AMYahoo Sports — Belgium goalie Thibaut Courtois wanted to continue playing despite injury
"Belgium goalie Thibaut Courtois wanted to keep playing on, but accepts his coach's decision to pull him from game vs. Spain.
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