Belgium goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois believes the Red Devils are peaking at the right time and is confident they have what it takes to pull off a major upset against European champions Spain when the two sides meet in the FIFA World Cup 2026 quarter-finals.
Following a difficult opening phase in the tournament, the Belgian side has found its rhythm during the knockout stages, with Courtois saying that internal belief has reached a new high.
“Everyone on our team realises it’s possible. I think we have a strong squad with qualities that Spain will have to take into account,” Courtois told reporters.
“There are surprises in every tournament… the Champions League, the Europa League, the World Cup. There are always surprises, and I think we can be one of them. Eliminating the European champions would obviously be a huge upset. The confidence is there,” he added after Belgium’s commanding 4-1 victory over co-hosts the United States in the Round of 16.
Belgium is peaking at the right time after early troubles
Belgium’s trajectory has pointed upward after an unconvincing group stage campaign. Belgium failed to dominate early on, drawing against both Egypt and Iran, and only secured the top spot in their group with a 5-1 thrashing of New Zealand.
Reflecting on the team’s growing confidence, Courtois said, “People were a bit disappointed in us, but we’ve set that right. We’re getting better and better.”
“Spain is the favourite, of course. They are excellent in possession, and when they lose the ball, they press quickly. That’s where the key lies: knowing how to quickly exploit the space behind their defence,” he added.
Spain booked their spot in the final eight via a thrilling 1-0 triumph over Portugal, sealed by a 91st-minute strike from Mikel Merino. Courtois admitted that the match perfectly illustrated why Luis de la Fuente’s men remain heavy title favourites.
“I think the goal against Portugal highlights their strengths. We know Lamine Yamal is incredibly talented in one-on-one situations; he’s fast, agile, and can beat two players if necessary,” Courtois added.
Spain will enter the quarter-final matchup in form, having maintained a tournament-record six consecutive clean sheets without conceding a single goal.
(With inputs from ANI)
