Thibaut Courtois has urged caution over Belgiums World Cup prospects, insisting the Red Devils are not among the tournament favourites despite securing top spot in Group G. Belgium booked their place in the knockout stages with an emphatic 5-1 win over New Zealand, ending a difficult group campaign on a high after earlier draws against Egypt and Iran had sparked criticism.The win also marked a personal milestone for Courtois, who became Belgiums most-capped player at World Cup finals with his 18th appearance in the competition.Table of ContentsBelgium respond to criticismWere not contenders yetQuarter-finals the first targetHistoric milestone for CourtoisBelgium respond to criticismQuestions had been raised about Belgiums performances after failing to win either of their opening two matches, leaving qualification hanging in the balance heading into their final group game.Courtois admitted the squad had been aware of the growing scrutiny but felt the team responded in the right way against New Zealand.We knew there was criticism, he said.Its normal because we didnt play our best game against Egypt and then we missed too many chances against Iran. That meant the final match became all or nothing.I think we answered well and now we can focus on the next challenge.The goalkeeper added that expectations remain high around the national team and accepted that criticism comes with representing Belgium on the biggest stage.Were not contenders yetDespite the convincing win, Courtois was quick to dismiss suggestions that Belgium should now be considered genuine contenders for the trophy.The Real Madrid goalkeeper believes his side still have plenty to prove before they can be mentioned alongside the tournaments leading nations.No, I dont think we can win the World Cup at this moment, Courtois said.We have to be realistic. I think were still far from being one of the favourites.3ET8AB2 Referee Dario Herrera, right, shows a red card to Belgiums Nathan Ngoy (25), center, during the World Cup Group G soccer match between Belgium and Iran in Inglewood, Calif., near Los Angeles, Sunday, June 21, 2026. (AP Photo/Gregory Bull)Only when you reach the semi-finals can you really start talking about winning it. Before then, its impossible.Belgium reached the semi-finals in 2018 and secured their best-ever World Cup finish by claiming third place, but Courtois feels the current squad lacks some of the quality possessed by that generation.I dont think we have the same level of quality as we did in 2018, but we still have a very good team.Quarter-finals the first targetCourtois believes reaching the last eight would represent a strong achievement and could provide the platform for an even deeper run.If we get to the quarter-finals then we have a good chance and anything can happen in football, he said.We can compete with any team in the world and give them a difficult game.Whether thats enough to win the tournament, only time will tell.Historic milestone for CourtoisWhile Belgiums ambitions remain focused on the team, Courtois also reflected on a significant personal achievement.His appearance against New Zealand moved him ahead of former midfielder Enzo Scifo as Belgiums most-capped player at World Cup finals.The 34-year-old admitted the record was one he was particularly proud of.Im very proud, Courtois said.I probably wont catch Jan Vertonghen or Romelu Lukaku in total international appearances, so having the most World Cup caps for Belgium is something very special.Everyone in the squad feels good and hopefully we can go as far as possible. But now the real tournament begins. Topics Belgium National Football Team Thibaut Courtois Add us as a preferred source on Google If you enjoy reading this article, you can help support our independent football journalism by adding 101 Great Goals as a preferred source You Should Also Read LIVE New Zealand v Belgium: Commentary, updates, goals and stats as Red Devils go in search of elusive win Jon Fisher 26th June, 2026 New Zealand vs Belgium: Line-ups confirmed for World Cup clash Mitch Fretton 27th June, 2026 New Zealand v Belgium: Predicted line-ups, preview and where to watch Jon Fisher 26th June, 2026 Flat Belgium fail to shine again in World Cup bore draw with Iran Tom Rostance 21st June, 2026 LIVE Belgium v Iran: Commentary, updates, goals and stats Jon Fisher 21st June, 2026 Belgium vs Iran: Line-ups confirmed as Red Devils seek first World Cup win Mitch Fretton 21st June, 2026
