FIFA World Cup 2026: "We gave everything", Lukaku reacts after Belgium's WC exit
California, July 12
Belgium striker Romelu Lukaku expressed his disappointment after the Red Devils were knocked out of the FIFA World Cup 2026, saying the team gave everything despite suffering a 2-1 defeat to Spain in the quarterfinals.
Taking to Instagram after the loss, Lukaku praised his teammates for their determination and resilience throughout the tournament while thanking fans for their unwavering support.
Belgium's World Cup campaign came to an end after Spain edged them 2-1 in the last-eight clash to book their place in the semifinals. Despite the defeat, Lukaku expressed confidence that the team would learn from the setback and return stronger in the future.
"We gave everything but the result was not in our favour. Proud to be part of this group.. they showed courage and spirit when needed. Hopefully we gave the people back home something to look out for in the future but it's the process and we will get better. It's tough and heartbreaking but we will bounce back. Thank you for the support," Lukaku wrote on Instagram.
Earlier, Belgium captain Kevin De Bruyne expressed pride over his team despite loss to Spain in the quarterfinal marking the end of their campaign in the ongoing FIFA World Cup 2026.
Spain defeated the Belgian Red Devils in a quarter-final clash to book a semi-final clash against France.
Fabian Ruiz and substitute Mikel Merino scored for Spain, while Charles De Ketelaere netted Belgium's lone goal.
After the loss, in a post on Instagram, Kevin De Bruyne said Belgium's World Cup campaign ended with heads held high, expressing pride in the team and the country despite their quarter-final defeat.
He said, "Our World Cup ends here. Heads held high. Beyond proud of this team and our country!"
Belgium goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois, on the other hand, expressed disappointment over Belgium's elimination and his injury. However, he said he was proud of the team's World Cup campaign and thanked fans for their support.
"Saddened by the elimination, and especially by not being able to help the team at the end. Injuries are unfortunate, but the elimination hurts me much more. Even so, I am proud of the team and the World Cup campaign we've had. Thank you all for your support over these past few weeks," he said in an Instagram post.
— ANI
Reader Comments
The writing was on the wall when they couldn't beat Morocco in the group stage. Team chemistry looked off, and playing De Bruyne as a striker was a disaster. Sorry to say but Belgium's 'golden generation' myth has been exposed. Spain totally deserved it. On to the next cycle now.
Watching from India, I've been following Lukaku since his Chelsea days. Poor guy always gives his heart but somehow the results never come. Remember that game against Croatia in 2022? Same story. But credit to Spain - they played excellent football. Belgium needs fresh blood now.
Honestly, I don't understand why Lukaku keeps blaming luck. Spain beat them fair and square. Belgium's defensive organization was poor, and they barely created chances. The 'proud of the team' mentality is fine but at some point you need to ask - are they overrated? Maybe it's time for a complete rebuild. Courtois injury or not, Spain were simply better.
Even though Belgium lost, I love the spirit they showed. De Bruyne's caption "Heads held high" is so classy. Meanwhile here in India we're still fighting over which sport is better 😂 Hope Belgium rebuild well, they have some exciting youngsters coming through. Lukaku will be 34 next time though - tough road ahead.
As someone who follows European football, Belgium's exit doesn't surprise me. Their defense has been leaky since 2018. Courtois injury was devastating though - he was
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