Lammens' error spells end for Belgium's golden generation
Belgium was eliminated from the 2026 World Cup after a late goal by Spain following a mistake by goalkeeper Senne Lammens. The loss marks the end of an era for Belgium's 'golden generation' of players.
Why it matters
It signifies the conclusion of a decade-long cycle for a prominent national football team that failed to secure a major international trophy despite high expectations.
Figure caption, Merino pounces on Lammens' mistake to score late winner for Spain
Fairytale goodbyes are a rarity in football.
Belgium's 2-1 defeat by Spain in the quarter-finals of the 2026 World Cup likely marked the final bow of the four remaining members of the Red Devils' golden generation.
Thibaut Courtois, Romelu Lukaku, Kevin de Bruyne and Axel Witsel have been mainstays of the national team since the 2014 World Cup in Brazil, but their final chance of winning football's biggest prize ended with a mistake from one of their successors.
The injured Courtois, replaced midway through the second half, could only watch as 24-year-old Senne Lammens spilled an 88th-minute shot and Mikel Merino tucked home the rebound.
"Lammens doesn't cover himself in any glory. He didn't make a mistake for Man United last year but this is another pressure," said Stephen Warnock on BBC Radio 5 Live.
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