Belgium goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois has admitted the Red Devils will enter their FIFA World Cup 2026 quarter-final against Spain as underdogs, but insists his side possess everything needed to produce another famous upset.
Fresh from Belgium’s commanding 4-1 victory over co-hosts the United States in the Round of 16, Courtois believes Friday’s showdown will present their toughest challenge of the tournament.
However, the Real Madrid goalkeeper remains confident that Belgium’s resilience and team spirit can overcome one of the competition’s favourites.
Speaking after Belgium’s training session at LA Galaxy’s training complex, the veteran goalkeeper acknowledged Spain’s outstanding form while refusing to concede defeat before kick-off.
“Spain is a great team. I think they’re one of the favorites to win it.
“So obviously we start as underdogs against them. But in football, everything is possible. I believe that we can win, with all respect. But obviously, they are the favorite.”
Spain have looked among the tournament’s strongest teams, reaching the quarter-finals without conceding a single goal.
Luis de la Fuente’s side have combined defensive solidity with fluid attacking football, making them one of the leading contenders to lift the World Cup.
Courtois, however, believes his extensive experience in Spanish football could provide Belgium with a valuable advantage.
Having spent more than a decade playing in La Liga with Real Madrid, the Belgian captain knows many of Spain’s players better than most international opponents.
“For me, it helps that I know them, most are from Spanish football, and some from the Champions League as well.
“But at the end of the day, we are playing against Spain, not against Barca, City, or Arsenal. Everyone knows those players.”
Rather than focusing solely on individual stars, Courtois believes Belgium must approach the match collectively, just as they have throughout the knockout rounds.
The experienced goalkeeper also drew inspiration from Belgium’s memorable victory over Brazil at the 2018 FIFA World Cup, when the Red Devils stunned one of the tournament favourites to reach the semi-finals.
He sees clear similarities between that challenge and the task awaiting Belgium against Spain.
“They were favored against us, and maybe they were more individually with more quality in the team.
“But I feel we are a great team all together now, and we are fighting.”
Belgium have already demonstrated that resilience during the current tournament.
Rudi Garcia’s side produced one of the competition’s most dramatic comebacks by recovering from a two-goal deficit to defeat Senegal 3-2 before following it with an impressive performance against the United States.
Against the Americans, Charles De Ketelaere’s clinical brace inspired Belgium to a dominant 4-1 victory, while Courtois once again produced several important saves to maintain control of the contest.
Reflecting on Belgium’s journey so far, the goalkeeper highlighted the character his teammates have shown under pressure.
“Especially the match against Senegal showed our ability to keep believing until the end.
“The important thing is to win games. It’s a nice thing to also play well, but the most important thing is to win and to compete, and that’s what we did.”
Belgium now face arguably their biggest examination yet against a Spain side that has impressed throughout the tournament with disciplined defending and efficient attacking football.
Despite acknowledging Spain’s status as favourites, Courtois believes knockout football is often decided by mentality as much as talent.
With belief growing inside the Belgian camp and memories of past World Cup upsets still fresh, the experienced goalkeeper is convinced the Red Devils have every reason to believe another memorable chapter could be written when they meet La Roja for a place in the FIFA World Cup 2026 semi-finals.
Toosin is a dedicated sports writer with a strong background in crafting engaging and insightful content. With experience at Goal, he has developed a sharp editorial sense and a refined storytelling approach that brings depth and perspective to sports journalism. His passion for the game goes beyond the headlines, as he captures both the excitement of the sport and the compelling human narratives behind each event. Toosin’s work resonates with a broad and diverse audience, making global sports stories accessible, relatable, and impactful.
