Courtois stretchered off in tears as injury blow darkens Belgium's World Cup quarter-final

Thibaut Courtois was carried off in tears during Belgium’s World Cup quarter-final against Spain after suffering a leg injury in the 70th minute, casting a shadow over the Red Devils’ hopes of progressing in the tournament.

The Real Madrid goalkeeper went down clutching his leg and it quickly became clear he would not be able to continue. Courtois left the pitch visibly distressed as his number was displayed, with Manchester United’s Senne Lammens coming on to make his World Cup debut as a replacement.

The timing and nature of the injury raise serious questions about whether the 34-year-old will feature again in this tournament. Having appeared at each of the previous four World Cups, this moment may ultimately mark Courtois’ final involvement at the competition.

Belgium were already navigating a demanding quarter-final tie against Spain when the blow landed, and losing their first-choice goalkeeper mid-match adds a significant layer of difficulty to their path through the knockout stages.