After Belgium's 5-1 victory over New Zealand secured top spot in their group, Courtois acknowledged in an exclusive interview with FIFA that the team is acutely aware of the outside talk.

On a record-breaking night, Courtois shone for Belgium, silencing outside criticism with his performance, but the veteran goalkeeper disagreed with being labeled title contenders.

Doubts began to emerge when Belgium drew with Egypt in their World Cup 2026 opener.

Those doubts turned into whispers after a goalless draw with Iran. Before their decisive final group match against New Zealand, criticism intensified.

Courtois said: "Of course, we know there's criticism from outside, and that's normal. We drew with Egypt and didn't play well in that match. Then we had to beat Iran, but we missed too many chances—that was our problem. So the final match became a must-win situation. I think we responded well in that game. Now we'll see who we face in the next round and hope we can put in another good performance."

"However, the criticism is fair. This is football, and it should be that way. Expectations in Belgium are very high, so we can accept this."

With the team having successfully advanced to the knockout stage and outside expectations rising, Courtois surprisingly remained cautious and sought to temper expectations.

When asked if he thought Belgium could reach the final, his response was blunt and even cautious: "No, I don't think we're title contenders. We have to be realistic. I think you can only talk about competing for the title after you reach the semifinals—otherwise it's unrealistic to discuss it now."

"For us, reaching the quarterfinals would already be a good achievement, and then anything can happen. But we'll take it match by match. I don't think we have the overall strength of the 2018 team right now, but we're still a good side."

FIFA noted that it was surprising Courtois would emphasize Belgium's "underdog" status, as most players tend to be more optimistic after a dominant victory and topping their group. It's difficult to determine whether Belgium's excellent goalkeeper is actively trying to lower outside expectations or attempting to manage internal pressure.

However, he also emphasized that he hasn't completely ruled out Belgium's chances, believing multiple conditions must align simultaneously for the team to go further.

"In football, one match can decide everything, and anything can happen.

I believe we can compete with any team in the world and play a good match."

"As for whether we're good enough to win the title, I don't know—time will tell.

But for now, we stay calm, one match at a time. I think if we can reach the quarterfinals, that would be very good, and then we'll see if we get the chance to face strong teams like Spain."

"So, let's wait and see."

Undeniably, on this cold Vancouver night, the Real Madrid star made his 18th World Cup appearance, surpassing Enzo Scifo to become Belgium's most-capped player at the World Cup in history.

If the team progresses as Courtois suggested, the 34-year-old goalkeeper could continue to break this record, something he takes great pride in.

"Of course, I'm very proud. I don't think I can catch Vertonghen or Lukaku in total caps, but becoming Belgium's most-capped World Cup player in history is very special. We feel good within the squad, and we hope to go as far as possible. But now, the real competition is just beginning."

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