Courtois details thigh injury that ended his Spain quarter-final

SALADIN, Iraq — Belgium goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois has described the thigh injury that forced him off during his side's 2-1 quarter-final defeat by Spain at the 2026 World Cup, a loss that ended Belgium's tournament run. The Real Madrid keeper said he felt a sharp pain in his front thigh muscle after taking a shot during the match, with the discomfort recurring when he played long balls, though he was able to continue making saves and moving around the pitch. Courtois said he felt able to finish the game but that the coaching staff decided to make a substitution. He added that he respected the decision and that the national team's interests came first. Young goalkeeper Senne Lammens replaced Courtois and conceded Spain's winning goal in the closing stages. Despite his injury, Courtois backed his younger teammate, saying Lammens has a bright future.