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Belgium goalkeeper injured, leaves World Cup quarterfinal vs. Spain

Belgium Men’s National Soccer Team

Belgium goalkeeper injured, leaves World Cup quarterfinal vs. Spain

Portrait of Seth Vertelney Seth Vertelney

USA TODAY Network
Updated July 10, 2026, 5:12 p.m. ET

Belgium was forced into a goalkeeper change during the second half of its World Cup quarterfinal against Spain on Friday, July 10 in Inglewood, California.

With the score tied 1-1, Thibaut Courtois appeared to injure his leg midway through the second half. He sat on the ground gripping his left thigh.

Belgium medics tended to the Real Madrid goalkeeper on the field and he returned to the pitch with his teammates after the second-half hydration break. But Courtois quickly signaled for a replacement, and Senne Lammens entered the match in the 71st minute.

Courtois was emotional on the bench as he realized he could have played his final World Cup game.

The 34-year-old joins Belgium’s growing injury list. Amadou Onana is out after tearing his ACL during Belgium’s win against the USA in the round of 16.

Youri Tielemans, Belgium’s captain and lynchpin in midfield, was injured during warm-ups ahead of the Spain game.