Courtois urges caution despite Belgium’s strong World Cup response
By Joel Masibo, June 27, 2026Belgium goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois has dismissed suggestions that his side should already be considered among the favourites for the FIFA World Cup 2026, despite an emphatic victory that secured top spot in Group G.
The Red Devils entered their final group match under pressure after opening their campaign with a draw against Egypt before being held to another stalemate by IR Iran. Those results sparked criticism from supporters and pundits, making their clash with New Zealand a must-win encounter.
Belgium responded impressively, producing a dominant 5-1 victory over New Zealand on Saturday, June 27, 2026, to book their place in the knockout rounds. Courtois admitted the squad was fully aware of the criticism surrounding their performances.
“We knew [there was some criticism], it’s logical. We drew against Egypt, not playing our best game. Then we had to win against Iran and we missed too many chances, so that was an area where we struggled a bit. That meant obviously the last game was all or nothing.” He told FIFA.
“I think we answered well, and now obviously with the next game we’ll see who we play and then hopefully that will be a good game.
“It’s logical though that there’s criticism. That’s football and that’s how it should be, because there’s a lot of expectations from Belgium so we’re fine with it.” He added.
Title contention
Although Belgium advanced comfortably to the last 16, the Real Madrid goalkeeper insisted expectations should remain realistic. He believes the team is still some distance away from genuine title contention.
“No, I don’t think so [that we can win the World Cup], we have to be realistic. I think we’re far from being a contender at this moment. I think only when you reach the semi-final you can talk about maybe winning it. Otherwise, it’s not possible.
“Internally for us, I think if we reach the quarter-finals, [we have] a nice shot and then everything is possible in football. But we will go game-by-game. I don’t think we have the same quality as in 2018, but we have a very good team.”
Despite downplaying Belgium’s chances, Courtois stressed that the team has enough quality to compete with any opponent if everything falls into place.
“Eventually in football, one game decides [things], everything can happen. I feel we can play any team in the world and I’m sure we can give them a good game.
“If we have enough to win, I don’t know, time will tell. But at this moment, we stay calm and we go game-by-game. I think if we reach the quarter-finals, it will be very nice and then we can face the likes of Spain, so let’s see.”
Personal milestone
The match against New Zealand also marked a personal milestone for the 34-year-old goalkeeper. His 18th FIFA World Cup appearance saw him surpass Enzo Scifo as Belgium’s most-capped player in World Cup history.
Courtois described the achievement as a proud moment while expressing hope that Belgium can continue progressing in the tournament.
“I’m very proud, obviously. I don’t think I’ll catch Jan Vertonghen or Romelu [Lukaku] in terms of overall caps, so to have the most in World Cup history at the moment is something very special.
“Within the team we feel good, and hopefully we can go as far as possible. But now it starts.” The goalkeeper said.