Why Is Thibaut Courtois No Longer Playing for Belgium vs. Spain in the World Cup Quarterfinal Match?

Spain and Belgium are locked in a tense FIFA World Cup quarterfinal, with La Roja leading by one goal after a goal by substitute Mikel Merino to make the score 2-1.

Fabián Ruiz gave Spain the lead in the 30th minute before Charles De Ketelaere equalized for Belgium in the 41st minute. Mikel Merino scored the decisive goal for Spain in the 88th minute to send them to the semifinals.

This quarterfinal marks Spain's first quarterfinal after they won the World Cup in 2010. They are entering this fixture with confidence high on a defense that has not conceded a single goal so far in the tournament.

Why was Thibaut Courtois Substituted?

Disappointment hit Belgium in the second half when goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois had to come off after an injury.

He was substituted in the 71st minute, a rare sight in a match of this magnitude, for Manchester United's Sean Lammens.

Courtois was emotional as he walked off the field, raising concerns among fans about the reason behind the unexpected change.

As of now there is no official confirmation of what type of injury it is.

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This story was originally published July 10, 2026 at 4:43 PM.