Kevin De Bruyne has declined to say whether he has played his final FIFA World Cup match after Belgium were eliminated by Spain in the quarter-finals of the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
The Red Devils saw their hopes of lifting the trophy come to an end with a 2-1 defeat at SoFi Stadium, where Mikel Merino once again emerged as Spain’s match-winner. The midfielder struck late in the contest after substitute goalkeeper Senne Lammens spilled a long-range effort from Pau Cubarsí, sending La Roja into the semi-finals.
Softfootball gathered that Following the defeat, De Bruyne was asked if the tournament marked the end of his World Cup career, but the veteran midfielder insisted he was not ready to make any decisions.
Oh guys, let me just get on holiday and take a break. It’s been a tough year. I had a big surgery. I am proud of what I have done. I worked really hard. That’s it.
Belgium’s hopes suffered a major blow during the second half when first-choice goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois was forced off through injury in the 71st minute. Backup goalkeeper Lammens was called into action but could not keep out Merino’s decisive strike.
The Red Devils were also weakened before kick-off after captain Youri Tielemans was ruled out during the warm-up, forcing a late change to Belgium’s plans against one of the tournament favourites.
