Lammens targeted by international press after elimination with
According to Vi.
Context
Senne Lammens, Manchester United goalkeeper, had the opportunity to show his value in the Belgian national team after Thibaut Courtois' injury. Their performance at the 2026 World Cup, although marked by a critical error, also raises questions about the depth of Belgium's squad and the preparation of young talents for international competitions. The pressure on Lammens could increase as Belgium prepares for the next competition cycle.
Why this matters
Belgium's elimination in the quarter-finals of the 2026 World Cup marks a critical moment for the team, especially after the injury to Thibaut Courtois, one of the best goalkeepers in the world. The failure of Senne Lammens, who took to the field as a substitute, was widely criticized by the international press, highlighting the pressure that young players face in major tournaments. This result could impact the team's confidence and preparation for future competitions, including the 2026 World Cup.
Main conclusions
- Lammens targeted by international press after elimination with.
- International press points to the error by Senne Lammens, who replaced the injured Thibaut Courtois, as a key moment in Belgium's elimination against Spain in the quarter-finals of the 2026 World Cup.
- Senne Lammens remains central to België's plans.
The 2026 World Cup is over for Belgium. The Red Devils fell by the wayside in the quarter-finals against Spain, considered one of the big favorites for the title, in a match decided in the final stretch after an unfortunate move by goalkeeper Senne Lammens. The reading was practically unanimous in the international press, which highlighted Thibaut Courtois' injury and the substitute's error as decisive moments for the outcome of the game.
According to the British The Guardian, “Merino leads Spain to the World Cup semi-finals while Belgium mourns Courtois' costly injury”. The daily highlights that Lammens, Manchester United's goalkeeper and second choice for the Belgian national team, was called up midway through the second half to replace Courtois, who left the pitch with thigh complaints. Shortly afterwards, a shot by Pau Cubarsí was not well handled by Lammens and Mikel Merino appeared to push the ball into the back of the goal, scoring the goal that confirmed the Spanish passage. "Perhaps Courtois had managed to avoid and prolong the Belgian resistance. Lammens was unable to do so and seemed lost", adds the newspaper, also highlighting Merino's celebration in honor of his father, Ángel, in front of a desolate Courtois on the bench.
Also in the United Kingdom, The Independent focused on the young Belgian's mistake: “An inexplicable error by Lammens cost Belgium the game.” The newspaper describes a courageous team, which fought until near the end, but sees in the succession of events – the injury of one of the best goalkeepers in the world and the entry of a substitute – the image that will end up marking the Red Devils' campaign in this World Cup.
In Italy, the Gazzetta dello Sport was even more incisive: “Courtois collapses, his assistant enters and causes a disaster.” The transalpine sportsman highlights Merino's impact as a “supersub”, returning to decide for Roja, and talks about a Belgium in tears due to the departure of its giant in goal. In the published analysis, Gazzetta refers to Lammens as “an example of Manchester United’s problems” and concludes harshly: “The Red Devils in hell.”
Without advancing numbers on the scoreboard, the common narrative involves Spanish dominance for long periods and a key moment between the Belgian goalposts that tipped the balance. Roberto Martínez's team – sorry, from the current Belgium – held on stoically, but the forced departure of Courtois and the subsequent error of his replacement left the team with no room for maneuver against a clinical and confident Spain, who are heading to the semi-finals of the 2026 World Cup.
For Belgium, there is the frustration of an elimination that seems to have been dictated by details, with the health of their starting goalkeeper at the center of the story. For Spain, the victory reinforces its status as a candidate and highlights the depth of its squad, capable of finding heroes from the bench in a high-risk stage such as the quarter-finals of a World Cup.
What happens next
With Belgium eliminated, attention now turns to the future of the team and preparation for the next 2026 World Cup. Senne Lammens' continuity as starting goalkeeper could be questioned, especially after the decisive error against Spain. The Belgian team, known as the Red Devils, will have to re-evaluate their strategy and formation to ensure a more solid performance in future competitions.
Frequently asked questions
What happened to Belgium at the 2026 World Cup?
Belgium was eliminated in the quarter-finals by Spain.
Who confirmed Belgium's elimination?
Belgium's elimination was confirmed by the international press, including newspapers such as The Guardian and The Independent.
Why did Belgium's elimination occur now?
The elimination occurred due to a mistake by goalkeeper Senne Lammens, who replaced an injured Thibaut Courtois and was unable to prevent a decisive goal for Spain.
What changes occurred in the Belgian team during the game?
Senne Lammens came on as Thi's replacement
baut Courtois, who left the field due to a thigh injury.
What were the defining moments in the match against Spain?
The decisive moments were Thibaut Courtois' injury and Senne Lammens' error that resulted in Spain's goal.