Belgium continues its journey in the 2026 World Cup with ambition. The Red Devils secured their spot in the quarter-finals with a convincing victory over the United States (4-1). This performance confirms the Belgian team’s ambitions, now more focused than ever on the later stages of the competition. After the match, goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois faced the media to discuss the game and several topics surrounding this matchup. During his comments, he notably mentioned Senegal, paying tribute to the Lions, whom he sees as a more formidable opponent than the American team.
Before reflecting on his team’s performance, Courtois was asked about the controversy surrounding the cancellation of Folarin Balogun’s suspension before this match. This topic sparked debates in the days leading up to the round of 16. Without dwelling on the controversy, the Belgian keeper felt that Belgium’s qualification was a response on the pitch. For him, the main goal was to secure a ticket to the quarter-finals and continue the World Cup adventure. It was then that he surprised everyone by comparing the level of the United States to that of Senegal.
“I read that and it makes me smile (referring to the Balogun issue). I understand they want to promote their national team, but today, I felt more certain we would win than against Senegal, which is a better team than the United States. The goal was to reach the quarter-finals. Everything that happens now is a bonus,” said the Belgian goalkeeper.
These comments reflect the deep respect that the Senegalese team commands from several major football nations. Despite their elimination in the round of 16, Senegal left a very positive impression during this World Cup. The Lions demonstrated great collective strength, remarkable physical intensity, and technical quality that allowed them to compete with some of the most experienced teams in the tournament. Courtois’s analysis confirms that Belgium did not approach its duel against Senegal with the same calm as the match against the United States.
The scenario of the round of 16 match between Belgium and Senegal remains one of the most memorable of this World Cup edition. Pape Thiaw’s men started the match perfectly, taking a two-goal lead with a top-level performance. For much of the game, the Lions controlled the proceedings and seemed headed for a historic achievement. But in the last ten minutes, Belgium completely turned the situation around, scoring three goals and ultimately winning 3-2 in an incredible comeback.
After eliminating the United States, Thibaut Courtois did not hesitate to pay tribute to Senegal: “Senegal is a better team than the United States.”
This statement speaks volumes about the impression left by the Lions during this World Cup.#wiwsport pic.twitter.com/o4ldOOwsSO
— wiwsport (@wiwsport) July 7, 2026
This elimination left many regrets on the Senegalese side. The Lions came very close to a historic qualification, but their journey has nonetheless strengthened their credibility on the international stage. Thibaut Courtois’s statements perfectly illustrate this reality. When a player of his experience claims that Senegal represents a tougher opposition than the United States, it highlights the progress made by this generation. Despite a frustrating exit, the Lions leave this World Cup with the respect of their opponents and the belief that they have shown they can compete with the best teams on the planet.
