World Cup 2026: Lammens Error Sends Belgium Crashing Out Against Spain

Belgium’s 2026 FIFA World Cup campaign ended in dramatic fashion after substitute goalkeeper Senne Lammens’ costly late error handed Spain a 2-1 victory in their quarter-final clash.

Lammens, who replaced the injured Thibaut Courtois late in the second half, failed to deal with a routine effort in the 89th minute, allowing Mikel Merino to score the decisive goal and send Spain into the semi-finals.

Spain will now face France in a blockbuster last-four encounter.

Before his injury, Courtois had produced an outstanding display, making a series of crucial saves to keep Belgium in the contest as Spain dominated possession for long periods.

Luis de la Fuente’s side eventually broke the deadlock in the 30th minute when Fabián Ruiz reacted quickest to convert the rebound after Dani Olmo’s initial effort had been saved by Courtois.

Belgium responded just before half-time through Charles De Ketelaere, who headed home Timothy Castagne’s cross to become the first player to score against Spain at the 2026 World Cup.

Spain regained control after the restart, with Lamine Yamal continuing to trouble the Belgian defence while Courtois made further impressive saves to deny the Spanish attack.

Belgium also threatened on the counterattack and nearly completed a comeback when Maxim De Cuyper struck the side netting after a move involving Jérémy Doku and Kevin De Bruyne.

The decisive moment came after Courtois was forced off through injury and replaced by Lammens.

Moments later, Pau Cubarsí’s effort was spilled by the Manchester United goalkeeper into the path of Merino, who calmly slotted the ball into the net from close range to seal Spain’s victory.

The result extended Spain’s winning streak over Belgium to six consecutive meetings and booked their place in the World Cup semi-finals against France.

For Belgium, the defeat ended an 18-match unbeaten run and overshadowed Courtois’ excellent performance, with Lammens’ late mistake proving the difference between the two European sides in a tightly contested quarter-final.