Courtois: The winner between Spain and France will be the world champion

Belgian goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois has identified the 2026 World Cup semifinal clash between Spain and France as a pivotal match that will likely determine the tournament's champion. Courtois expressed his belief that the winner of this highly anticipated duel will go on to lift the World Cup.

"Obviously (Spain) can win the World Cup. They have a lot of hope, a great team, and I think the winner of that semifinal will be the world champion," Courtois told reporters in the mixed zone. His assessment highlights Spain's perceived strength and potential on the global stage.

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Obviously (Spain) can win the World Cup. Has a lot of hope, a great team and I think the winner of that semifinal will be the world champion.

Courtois further elaborated on Spain's capabilities, stating, "Spain is one of the favorites to win it all. In the end, they are a team that can beat France and anyone else." This confidence in Spain comes after they eliminated Belgium from the competition in the quarterfinals, a result that clearly left an impression on the Belgian keeper.

The goalkeeper's remarks underscore the high regard he holds for the Spanish squad, positioning them as formidable contenders alongside France. The semifinal matchup is thus framed not just as a battle for a place in the final, but as a de facto championship decider.

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Spain is one of the favorites to win it all. In the end, they are a team that can beat France and anyone else.