World Cup
Courtois fires back at US snubs: I read it and laughed
Thibaut Courtois has responded to pre-match comments from the United States with humour and defiance after Belgium’s 1-4 World Cup win in Seattle.
The Real Madrid goalkeeper confirmed the Belgian team’s motivation was heightened by the perceived lack of respect from their opponents. Belgium advanced to the quarter-finals of the 2026 World Cup following a commanding victory over the USA.
Rudi Garcia’s side had been targeted by American pre-match remarks questioning whether Belgium remained the team of 2014 or even the side that lost to the USA in March. Courtois, speaking in the mixed zone at Lumen Field, made clear the message had been received.
"There was a lack of respect because they said we were no longer the same team. They thought it would be easy. We proved them wrong," said Courtois.
Belgium crush USA 4-1: Red Devils march on to quarter-final clash with Spain
Mauricio Pochettino’s USA had repeatedly stated their World Cup round-of-16 tie would bear no resemblance to the 2-5 friendly defeat suffered by Belgium in March. Belgium, however, used that fixture as ideal preparation and delivered a convincing performance. Courtois added: "We restricted them well and created many chances, including more goals. We obviously had that March match in mind. I think after their goal, the USA didn’t show anything else. I read some things and I laughed (regarding the Folarin Balogun affair, ed.). I was more confident of beating the USA than Senegal because Senegal is a better team than the USA." Belgium will now face Spain in the quarter-finals. Courtois, who has played for Real Madrid since 2018, knows La Roja well. "Spain is my second country. My son Nicolás will support Belgium no matter what, otherwise he won’t be allowed back in the house (laughs)," he joked. The Belgian goalkeeper concluded: "Everything that happens now will be a bonus. We’ve already succeeded in the tournament."