Belgium’s golden generation bows out after Spain quarter‑final loss

Belgium were eliminated from the 2026 FIFA World Cup at the quarter‑final stage, losing 2‑1 to Spain in Los Angeles. Spain opened the scoring early through Fabián Ruiz, and Belgium equalised when Charles de Ketelaere headed in a cross from Timothy Castagne. In the final minutes, substitute goalkeeper Senne Lammens failed to secure a rebound from Pau Cubarsi, allowing Mikel Merino to score the winner for Spain.

The defeat marked the likely final World Cup appearance for the core of Belgium’s so‑called “golden generation”, including veteran goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois, striker Romelu Lukaku, midfielder Kevin De Bruyne and midfielder Axel Witsel. Courtois left the field with a thigh injury and was replaced by Lammens, whose error proved decisive. Belgium also entered the match missing several key players through injury – Amadou Onana (ACL), Youri Tielemans (hamstring) and others – underscoring the squad’s depleted state.

The loss ends a decade of consistent deep runs for Belgium, who have previously reached the semifinals in 2018 and finished third in 2018. With the team now ranked eighth in the FIFA World Rankings, the senior veterans are expected to retire from international duty, leaving the next wave of younger talent to rebuild the national side.