Belgium coach Rudi Garcia criticised after Courtois substitution in World Cup loss to Spain

Belgium were eliminated 2–1 by Spain in the FIFA World Cup quarter‑final after coach Rudi Garcia replaced first‑choice goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois at the 71st minute with the little‑used Senne Lammens, citing a leg discomfort. Lammens failed to keep a low shot from Pau Cubarsí, allowing Mikel Merino to score the decisive rebound.

The decision sparked a wave of criticism across Europe. Former striker Zlatan Ibrahimović said the coach should be ashamed, echoing Greek pundits who called the move “a shame” («Ντροπή του!»). Analysts, former players and journalists in Belgium, France, Greece, Cyprus and beyond questioned why a world‑class keeper was taken off when he felt able to continue. Garcia defended his choice, insisting only fully fit players should stay on the pitch.

The substitution also reignited debate over referee Michael Oliver and VAR usage, with some blaming officiating for Belgium’s defeat. Garcia’s future is now under scrutiny; his contract with the KBVB runs out in July and the Belgian football federation is said to be weighing alternatives.