Summary
Courtois Backs Lammens After Belgium’s World Cup Elimination
Thibaut Courtois has shared his honest thoughts on Senne Lammens after the Manchester United goalkeeper made a costly mistake that helped send Belgium out of the 2026 FIFA World Cup quarter-finals against Spain.
Courtois started the match for Belgium but was forced to leave the field with around 20 minutes remaining due to injury. At that stage, the score was level at 1-1 after Charles De Ketelaere equalized shortly before halftime, cancelling out Fabian Ruiz’s opening goal for Spain.
Lammens, who was named Premier League Signing of the Season after an impressive first campaign at Old Trafford, entered the match for only his third international appearance.
However, the young goalkeeper endured a painful moment when his mistake allowed Mikel Merino to score the decisive goal and send Spain into the World Cup semi-finals.
Lammens’ Error Sends Spain Through
The incident came after Spain defender Pau Cubarsí attempted a long-range effort that appeared manageable for Lammens.
However, the Belgian goalkeeper was unable to hold onto the shot, spilling the ball directly into the path of Merino, who reacted quickly to finish from close range.
The goal proved heartbreaking for Belgium, who were only minutes away from forcing the match into extra time.
Instead, the Red Devils were eliminated from the tournament and began their journey home from North America.
Courtois Offers Support to Manchester United Goalkeeper
Following the match, Courtois publicly defended Lammens and insisted that the mistake would ultimately help the goalkeeper grow stronger.
Speaking after the game, the Real Madrid star said:
“I gave him a big hug. He’s a great goalkeeper. You only get stronger from this.”
Courtois also praised Lammens’ mentality and personality, explaining that there was little more advice he could offer in such a difficult moment.
“Eventually you cannot say much more to him or give him much more advice. He is a strong guy, strong personality. I’m sure he’ll be fine.”
He added:
“He will have some holidays and then regroup in Manchester and have a great season.”
Belgium Teammates Also Stand Behind Lammens
Belgium defender Brandon Mechele also defended the goalkeeper, describing the mistake as an important learning experience.
“It’s a learning moment for him,” Mechele said.
“It was not the easiest ball. I think it bounces just in front of him. And we as defenders could have helped him by following up maybe more.”
The defender emphasized that the entire team must support each other during difficult moments.
“He needs to learn from this, and we as a group we have to be there for each other and help each other.”
Manchester United Support Their Goalkeeper
Despite the mistake, both Courtois and Lammens remain regarded among the top goalkeepers in world football.
Manchester United immediately showed their support for their goalkeeper after the match, posting a message on social media:
“Head up, Senne. We’re all with you.”
The response highlighted the club’s confidence in Lammens and its belief that the young goalkeeper can recover from the setback.
Courtois Reveals He Wanted to Continue Playing
Meanwhile, Courtois also explained that he had hoped to remain on the pitch before Belgium manager Rudi Garcia decided to replace him.
“Obviously, I wanted to continue, but the coach wanted someone 100%,” Courtois explained.
“I wanted to try to play maybe five or 10 minutes because I was feeling good. I was making saves, and I was not disturbed to make those saves.”
The goalkeeper accepted the decision despite his disappointment.
“Obviously you’re not happy when you have to leave a quarter-final of a World Cup. But yeah, sometimes it is what it is. You can’t change it.”
A Difficult Lesson for One of Football’s Rising Goalkeepers
Senne Lammens’ mistake will be remembered as a painful moment in Belgium’s World Cup campaign, but the reaction from Courtois, his teammates, and Manchester United shows the confidence surrounding his future.
At just 25 years old and after a strong debut season in England, Lammens still has plenty of time to learn from this experience and continue developing into one of football’s elite goalkeepers.