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Courtois substituted due to quadriceps pain in Belgium's WC exit
11 Jul
Summary
- Courtois cited quadriceps pain as reason for his substitution.
- Spain advanced to the semi-finals after a late winning goal.
- Spain will face France in the next World Cup semi-final match.

Belgium's 2026 FIFA World Cup campaign concluded on July 10 with a narrow 2-1 quarter-final defeat to Spain. Goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois was forced off in the 71st minute due to significant pain in his quadriceps, an issue he described as affecting his ability to take long kicks.
Spain secured their place in the semi-finals after Mikel Merino scored the decisive goal just minutes after coming on. This victory sets up a highly anticipated semi-final clash between Spain and France on July 14 at Dallas Stadium. Spain's coach praised his team's character after a hard-fought win.