AthleteWiki
Live
WRESTLINGStyles AJ Styles Reacts to Son Avery's Impressive Spiral Tap MoveSWIMMINGPeaty Adam Peaty suffers shock defeat in Commonwealth Games finalSWIMMINGPeaty Adam Peaty wins bronze at Commonwealth Games but breaks down ...WRESTLINGStyles AJ Styles Gives Hopeful Advice to Wrestlers Rejected in WWE T...WRESTLINGStyles AJ Styles reveals indie stars he handpicked for WWE tryouts a...CHESSFirouzja Alireza Firouzja Breaks Free in Grand Chess Tour Croatia BlitzWRESTLINGStyles AJ Styles Reacts to Son Avery's Impressive Spiral Tap MoveSWIMMINGPeaty Adam Peaty suffers shock defeat in Commonwealth Games finalSWIMMINGPeaty Adam Peaty wins bronze at Commonwealth Games but breaks down ...WRESTLINGStyles AJ Styles Gives Hopeful Advice to Wrestlers Rejected in WWE T...WRESTLINGStyles AJ Styles reveals indie stars he handpicked for WWE tryouts a...CHESSFirouzja Alireza Firouzja Breaks Free in Grand Chess Tour Croatia Blitz

Thibaut Courtois Defends Senne Lammens After Costly World Cup Mistake

2026-07-13 · Thibaut Courtois · Match Report

Thibaut Courtois Defends Senne Lammens After Costly World Cup Mistake

Thibaut Courtois has backed Senne Lammens after the Manchester United goalkeeper’s error gifted Spain a 2-1 victory in the World Cup quarter-finals. The mistake came with Belgium trailing 1-0 against Spain in the 2026 tournament’s knockout stage, with Courtois himself limping off injured 20 minutes before full-time after a strong first half.

What happened in the match?

Belgium had fought back to level 1-1 through Charles De Ketelaere’s equalizer, but Spain’s Mikel Merino scored the winner after Lammens spilled a speculative shot from Pau Cubarsi. The error came on Lammens’ third international cap, despite his Premier League Signing of the Season award for his debut at Old Trafford.

Courtois, who started but was substituted for Lammens with 20 minutes left, had made key saves earlier. But the final moments were brutal-Belgium’s hopes of a semi-final spot vanished as Merino finished coolly.

Why Courtois stood by Lammens

Speaking to France 24, Courtois dismissed criticism, calling Lammens “a great goalkeeper” who would grow from the experience. “He’s a strong guy, strong personality,” Courtois said. “You can’t say much more to him-he’ll be fine.”

Team-mate Brandon Mechele added that the ball was difficult, but Belgium’s defence could have supported Lammens better. Manchester United also rallied behind their shot-stopper, tweeting: “Head up, Senne. We’re all with you.”

Courtois’ own World Cup exit

The Real Madrid goalkeeper had wanted to stay on but was replaced by coach Rudi Garcia for a “100%” option. Courtois admitted he was fit enough but respected the tactical call. “It’s not easy leaving a quarter-final,” he said. “But sometimes it is what it is.”

What comes next for Belgium?

With Courtois sidelined by injury and Lammens facing scrutiny, Belgium’s campaign ends in disappointment. The Red Devils now return home after a quarter-final exit, while Spain advance to the semi-finals.

Both goalkeepers-Courtois and Lammens-remain among the world’s elite. Lammens will return to Manchester United for pre-season, while Courtois faces an uncertain recovery ahead of next season.

More Thibaut Courtois news →