Courtois: Belgium Can Spring Upset Over Spain
Belgian goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois believes his team can upset Euro champions Spain in the World Cup 2026 quarterfinals on July 11, citing Belgium's quality and ability to exploit defensive gaps.
Belgian goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois believes his team, the "Red Devils of Europe," can pull off a shock at the World Cup by defeating Spain in the last eight. Belgium faces Euro champions Spain in the World Cup 2026 quarterfinals on July 11.
Courtois stated that Belgium could achieve a major upset by beating Spain, one of the tournament favorites. "Everyone in our team knows it's possible. I think we have a strong team with the quality that Spain must respect," he said.
"Upsets happen in every tournament—Champions League, Europa League, the World Cup—there are always surprises. I believe we can be one of them. Knocking out the European champions would certainly defy expectations. The confidence is already there."
"Of course, Spain are favorites. They have excellent possession, and when they lose the ball, they press quickly," Courtois added. "That's the key point—knowing how to exploit the space behind their defensive line quickly."
