California [US], July 11 (ANI): Belgium suffered a major setback in the second half of its FIFA World Cup 2026 quarterfinal against Spain on Friday (local time), after goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois was forced off with an injury, according to news outlet USA Today.
With the match level at 1-1, Courtois went down clutching his left thigh midway through the second half. Belgium’s medical staff treated the Real Madrid goalkeeper on the field, and although he briefly returned to play following the hydration break, he soon indicated that he could not continue.
Senne Lammens replaced Courtois in the 71st minute. The veteran goalkeeper appeared visibly emotional on the bench, raising concerns that his World Cup campaign could be over regardless of Belgium’s result against Spain.
Earlier in the match, Belgium brought an end to Spain’s record-breaking defensive run at the FIFA World Cup after Charles De Ketelaere scored to snap the longest clean-sheet streak in the tournament’s history.
De Ketelaere found the net in the 41st minute to level the score at 1-1 after Fabian Ruiz had given Spain the lead in the 30th minute of the quarterfinal clash, according to OptaJean X handle.
The goal ended Spain’s remarkable run of 649 consecutive minutes without conceding in the FIFA World Cup, the longest such streak in the tournament’s history
Spain’s defensive record had 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, according to OptaJean X handle
Belgium’s equaliser not only brought the match back on level terms but also brought an end to one of the most remarkable defensive records in World Cup history. (ANI)
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