Courtois backs Belgium to upset Spain in World Cup quarters
Belgium goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois says his team can upset Spain in Friday's World Cup quarterfinal at SoFi Stadium, even though La Roja enter as heavy favorites. Courtois calls Belgium underdogs but cites their 2018 win over Brazil and recent 4-1 rout of the USA as proof the Belgium Spain clash could deliver another shock.
The Red Devils face European champions Spain on July 10, 2026, at Los Angeles Stadium in Inglewood. For more offbeat sports angles, browse our Bizarre News & Florida Man coverage.
Key Takeaways
- Courtois publicly backed underdog Belgium to beat Spain despite La Roja's perfect defensive record at this World Cup.
- FanDuel Sportsbook lists Spain at -160 on the 90-minute moneyline, with Belgium at +470.
- Belgium rallied from two goals down to beat Senegal 3-2 before routing the United States 4-1 in the round of 16.
- Sports Illustrated projects Spain will start Lamine Yamal, Mikel Oyarzabal, and a back line that has kept five straight clean sheets.
- This is the third World Cup meeting between the nations; Belgium eliminated Spain on penalties in 1986.
What did Courtois say about Belgium vs Spain?
Speaking ahead of training in the Los Angeles area, Courtois told reporters that Belgium start as underdogs against a Spain side he considers one of the favorites to win the trophy. "So obviously we start as underdogs against them," Courtois said, according to ESPN. "But in football, everything is possible. I believe that we can win, with all respect."
When asked about Spain, Courtois immediately recalled Belgium's 2-1 quarterfinal victory over Brazil at the 2018 World Cup in Russia. That result sent the Red Devils to their first semifinal in 32 years. He argued Belgium are stronger collectively now and pointed to their 3-2 extra-time win over Senegal, when they rallied from two goals down with five minutes left.
Courtois also outlined a tactical path. Spain excel in possession and press quickly when they lose the ball, he noted, but space behind their defense could be exploitable. He singled out Lamine Yamal as "incredibly talented in one-on-one situations."
Why are Spain favored over Belgium?
Spain's numbers explain the betting market. La Roja have not conceded a goal across five World Cup matches this summer, and Sports Illustrated notes they have allowed just 1.5 expected goals while keeping five successive clean sheets. Unai Simón has not been beaten in the tournament.
Belgium's path has been rockier. They topped Group G after beating New Zealand 5-1 but were held by Egypt and Iran. Their knockout form has improved sharply, yet Friday's task is their toughest yet against an unbeaten Spain side that has yet to yield at this World Cup.
How might Spain line up against Belgium?
Sports Illustrated predicts Luis de la Fuente will stick with the settled XI that carried Spain through the knockout rounds. The projected lineup features Simón in goal; Pedro Porro, Pau Cubarsí, Aymeric Laporte, and Marc Cucurella in defense; Rodri, Pedri, and Dani Olmo in midfield; and Yamal, Oyarzabal, and Alex Baena in attack.
Spain's back line has been integral to their run, with Laporte anchoring a partnership that SI says has kept five straight clean sheets. Nico Williams remains a bench option while regaining match sharpness, and substitute Mikel Merino scored the 91st-minute winner against Portugal in the round of 16.
What do the betting odds say?
FanDuel Sportsbook prices Spain at -160 on the 90-minute moneyline, with a draw at +290 and a Belgium win at +470. To advance to the semifinals, Spain are -350 and Belgium +265. Those lines reflect Spain's defensive dominance and Belgium's underdog status — exactly the label Courtois embraced while insisting an upset remains on the table.