Belgium coach blames two mistakes for 2-1 loss to Spain in 2026 World Cup

Belgium lost 2‑1 to Spain in the 2026 World Cup quarter‑final, ending their tournament run. Fabian Ruiz gave Spain the lead, Charles Keletaere equalised for Belgium, and Mikel Merino’s late strike sent Spain into a semi‑final against France. Belgium’s coach Rudi Garcia said the defeat came down to ‘two mistakes’: midfielder Youri Tielemans picked up an injury before the match, goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois was injured during the game, and Kevin De Bruyne could not see the match out.

The loss shows how injuries to key players can derail even a strong side at the highest level. For football fans, it is a reminder that squad depth and fitness often decide tournament outcomes as much as tactics or star power. African fans watching the tournament can see how even top‑rated European sides struggle when key players fall injured, offering a lesson for continental teams preparing for future World Cups.

If your favourite team relies heavily on a couple of stars, how would you assess their bench strength before the next major competition?

SOURCE: https://dailypost.ng/2026/07/11/2026-world-cup-why-we-lost-2-1-to-spain-belgium-coach-rudi-garcia/