Belgium has advanced to the last eight of the 2026 World Cup, with Courtois clocking every minute of the tournament. The 33‑year‑old Lukaku netted three goals, yet appeared in less than half the total minutes, often arriving as a substitute to exploit fatigue in the defense after a sharp press from 25‑year‑old Charles De Ketelaere.

Before the De Bruyne injury in the Senegal match, Belgium had won only one of three games. After his exit, the team captured two victories and scored seven goals in roughly 130 bursts of play, showing a surge in efficiency. 37‑year‑old Witsel entered the USA win for a single minute, while Meunier saw his minutes dwindle as the competition progressed.

The squad’s cohesion was highlighted by a reaction to Folarin Balogun’s suspended ban, with players mocking former President Trump and praising their mature unity. Garcia lauded the leadership depth, noting that seasoned players like Lukaku and De Bruyne now focus on decisive moments rather than overall performance.

Belgium’s transition to a mentorship‑driven approach could prove decisive against Spain, offering a blueprint for teams navigating the decline of star players and underscoring the value of experience in high‑stakes matches.