Courtois off, Merino on target: The turning point of Belgium’s defeat against Spain

California: Belgium goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois was forced to leave the FIFA World Cup 2026 quarter-final against Spain early after suffering a suspected thigh injury, dealing a major blow to his team during their knockout clash, according to USA Today.

With the score tied at 1-1, Courtois went down in the second half while holding his left thigh. Belgium’s medical staff attended to the Real Madrid goalkeeper on the pitch, and although he returned briefly after the hydration break, he soon signalled that he was unable to continue.

Senne Lammens replaced Courtois in the 71st minute, with the veteran goalkeeper leaving the pitch in tears and raising fears that his World Cup campaign could be over. Belgium immediately felt his absence, as Lammens spilled Pau Cubarsí's long-range effort moments after coming on, allowing Mikel Merino to pounce on the rebound and score what proved to be Spain's match-winning goal.

Earlier in the match, Belgium ended Spain’s historic defensive streak at the World Cup after Charles De Ketelaere scored the equaliser in the 41st minute.

Spain had taken the lead through Fabian Ruiz in the 30th minute, but De Ketelaere’s strike levelled the contest at 1-1 and brought an end to Spain’s record-breaking run of 649 consecutive minutes without conceding at the tournament, according to OptaJean.

Spain’s remarkable defensive record had stretched from their final group-stage match against Japan at the 2022 FIFA World Cup and continued throughout their unbeaten 2026 campaign before Belgium finally found a way through.