Belgium exits World Cup after quarter-final defeat to Spain

By Callum Ashford — 11 July 2026 — 3 min read

Belgium’s World Cup campaign concludes

Belgium exited the World Cup after a quarter-final defeat against Spain, following a match where several key players faced injury issues. The team, managed by Rudi Garcia, had navigated a challenging group stage before confronting Spain.

Ahead of the match, Belgium encountered significant setbacks. Amadou Onana was seen on crutches due to a torn anterior cruciate ligament sustained in the last-16 victory against the USA. Defender Zeno Debast was omitted from the squad due to a disagreement between Belgium and Sporting regarding his fitness. Minutes before kick-off, captain Youri Tielemans was removed from the team sheet after suffering an injury during the warm-up, reportedly a suspected hamstring issue. He was replaced by Club Brugge midfielder Hans Vanaken.

Match action and injuries

Jérémy Doku returned to the starting lineup and displayed improved form compared to the group stage. He created space for himself between Pedro Porro and Lamine Yamal, often cutting into channels to disrupt Spain’s midfield. However, his attacking focus left him slightly behind Porro when Spain launched a direct attack, leading to Fábian Ruiz scoring after a cross.

Belgium responded when Charles De Ketelaere, an Atalanta forward, equalised in the 39th minute. After Aymeric Laporte slowed his attempt to set up a throw-in, Kevin De Bruyne threaded a pass to Timothy Castagne on the right flank. Castagne then crossed to De Ketelaere, who headed the ball past Pau Cabarsí for Belgium‘s first shot on target.

Despite Spain regaining control, Belgium found opportunities through Doku‘s dribbling. Although the Manchester City winger may have been affected by a previous respiratory infection, his carries opened up space for teammates like Maxim De Cuyper. Belgium nearly scored a second goal when Doku combined with De Bruyne, but a deflected shot by De Cuyper was not converted.

Garcia‘s team showed more resilience than in previous tournaments. Leandro Trossard was substituted after an hour, part of a triple change that saw Romelu Lukaku and Axel Witsel enter the game. This brought all four veterans from the 2014 World Cup squad onto the pitch with half an hour remaining.

Goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois sustained an injury just before the second-half hydration break, massaging his left hip after a save. He attempted to continue but was forced off in the 71st minute, visibly emotional as he left the field. He was replaced by Senne Lammens, who made his World Cup debut.

Kevin De Bruyne also struggled with his fitness, leaving the field after a clumsy challenge on Ferran Torres, which earned him a yellow card. Garcia used his final substitution to replace De Bruyne.

Late drama and conclusion

Lammens was unable to secure a speculative shot from outside the box by Pau Cubarsi, spilling the ball into the penalty area. Mikel Merino reacted quickly, poaching the loose ball and scoring past the kneeling Lammens in the 88th minute, sending Spain to their first semi-final since 2010. Merino‘s goal was his second late decider in as many knockout matches.

Courtois, at 34, may have played his final World Cup match, having participated in four previous editions. His replacement, Lammens, was consoled by teammates following the error. The result means Spain will face France in the semi-final.

Source: theguardian.com