Belgium’s World Cup journey came to a painful end against Spain, but the result was not the only concern to emerge from the quarter-final.
Real Madrid goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois was forced off during the second half after appearing to suffer another muscle problem, raising fresh fears over the fitness of one of the club’s most important players.
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Courtois had once again shown his true value throughout the tournament, producing a series of decisive performances that helped Belgium reach the last eight.
Against Spain, the experienced goalkeeper repeatedly frustrated Luis de la Fuente’s side with a string of outstanding saves, keeping his team in the contest even as the pressure continued to build.
His evening, however, ended in distress as he was unable to complete the match, leaving Real Madrid anxiously awaiting the outcome of further medical assessments.
Courtois’ injury overshadows outstanding display
Spain dominated long spells of possession and created several dangerous openings, but Courtois once again reminded everyone why he remains one of the world’s top goalkeepers.
His positioning, reflexes and command of the penalty area denied Spain on multiple occasions, allowing Belgium to remain within touching distance of a place in the semi-finals.
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Just after the hour mark, though, concern spread around the stadium when the 33-year-old sat down on the pitch.
Following the scheduled hydration break, it became apparent that he would be unable to continue.
Courtois left the field visibly emotional, with tears suggesting he immediately realised the seriousness of the situation or the disappointment of seeing his World Cup end in such circumstances.
Manchester United goalkeeper Senne Lammens was introduced as his replacement for the closing stages of the match.
While Belgium have yet to provide a detailed medical diagnosis, the initial concern centres on a possible muscle injury.
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Real Madrid will monitor the goalkeeper’s condition
Courtois left the field in tears. (Photo by Luke Hales/Getty Images)
Any injury involving Courtois inevitably attracts attention in Madrid given the goalkeeper’s recent fitness record.
Over the 2025/26 season, the Belgian international has endured several physical setbacks, interrupting his momentum at crucial points of the campaign.
His most recent absence came in March, when a problem involving the rectus femoris in his right quadriceps ruled him out of the decisive stages of the Champions League.
That history makes the latest setback particularly concerning, especially with Real Madrid’s preparations for the new season already underway.
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The club’s medical staff are now expected to assess the goalkeeper once he returns from international duty before determining both the nature and severity of the injury.
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