Zlatan Ibrahimović Slams Belgium Coach Garcia Over World Cup Goalkeeper Decision

Zlatan Ibrahimović has launched a scathing critique of Belgium's coach, Rudi Garcia, following the team's 2-1 defeat against Spain in the quarter-finals of the 2026 World Cup.

The match was marred by the forced substitution of goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois due to injury. Garcia opted to bring on Matz Sels, who subsequently conceded the second goal to Mikel Merino. Ibrahimović considers Garcia's choice to be a significant error.

The Swedish veteran striker expressed his displeasure, arguing that the decision to use Sels over Koen Casteels on the bench was unjustified. He questioned whether the selection was based on Sels playing for Manchester United while Casteels plays for Strasbourg, asserting that national team goalkeepers should not be chosen based on club affiliation.

"The responsibility is entirely his. Why did he bring Sels into the game when Casteels was on the bench? Because one plays for Manchester United and the other for Strasbourg? You don't choose the national team goalkeeper like that. Everyone saw it. It's a disgrace. The coach and the goalkeeping coach should be ashamed," Ibrahimović stated.

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The responsibility is entirely his. Why did he bring Sels into the game when Casteels was on the bench? Because one plays for Manchester United and the other for Strasbourg? You don't choose the national team goalkeeper like that. Everyone saw it. It's a disgrace. The coach and the goalkeeping coach should be ashamed.