Rudi Garcia cut a dejected figure after Belgium's FIFA World Cup 2026 campaign came to a close with a 1-2 quarterfinal defeat to Spain in Los Angeles on 11 July, saying the stars simply weren't aligned for his side on a night marred by injuries to both their goalkeeper and captain.

How the Match Unfolded

Spain drew first blood in the 30th minute through Fabian Ruiz, only for Charles De Ketelaere to restore parity with a header in the 41st minute — ending La Roja's run of six consecutive clean sheets at the tournament. Belgium appeared to be holding on for extra time before substitute Mikel Merino struck in the 88th minute to send Spain through to their first World Cup semifinal since 2010.

Injury Blows That Changed the Game

Belgium's night unravelled in the 71st minute when goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois was forced off with an injury. Substitute keeper Senne Lammens was unable to hold Pau Cubarsi's long-range effort in the closing stages, and Merino pounced on the rebound to score the decisive goal. The loss of captain Kevin De Bruyne mid-game further disrupted Garcia's tactical blueprint. 'We lost our goalkeeper. We lost our captain. We had to change a sub out given to De Bruyne, and that wasn't part of the game plan at the end of the game,' Garcia said.

What Garcia Said

'Unfortunately, the stars weren't aligned for us this evening,' Garcia said after the defeat. He was quick to credit his players for executing the game plan, adding: 'We went in to press them. We put pressure on the key players, and honestly, the players were up to scratch. They sang from the song sheet that I gave them. They did exactly what they needed to do, but once again, we need Lady Luck to be on our side, and unfortunately, she was smiling at Spain and not Belgium.'

Garcia also offered a measured defence of his squad's overall World Cup showing. 'I don't think that we've got anything to feel humiliated about. I think that we were able to really give the Spanish squad a run for their money,' he said.

Veterans' Final Bow and Garcia's Future

Garcia declined to address speculation about his own future as Belgium manager, pivoting instead to the emotional weight of the defeat for senior players who may have featured in their last World Cup. 'I'm disappointed for those who maybe won't come back with the national team, those who were competing in the last global competition,' he said. 'I took a team that I wanted to take as far as possible, my veteran players that maybe are on their way out so that they could have one last hurrah.'

What's Next for Spain

With the win, 2010 World Cup winners Spain advance to the semifinal, where they will face two-time champions France. The encounter sets up one of the most anticipated last-four clashes of the tournament.