World Cup 2026: Thibaut Courtois says Belgium must cope with pressure against New Zealand

Belgium goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois has acknowledged that pressure will be intense in his side’s final Group G match against New Zealand after another draw left the Red Devils still searching for their first victory of the tournament.

Belgium were held to a 0-0 draw by Iran, a result that keeps their qualification hopes alive but leaves little room for error heading into their final group-stage fixture.

Speaking after the match, Courtois sought to encourage his team-mates despite the disappointment of failing to secure all three points.

“We always end up turning the page; football is about the present, and we have to learn from what we didn’t do well today,” the Belgian goalkeeper asserted.

The experienced shot-stopper believed Belgium produced a performance that deserved more than a point, pointing to the influence of the opposition goalkeeper.

” But overall, I think we played a pretty good match. […] We didn’t score, their goalkeeper had an excellent game.”

Belgium’s inability to find the breakthrough means their World Cup campaign will now be decided in their final group match against New Zealand.

Courtois made no attempt to hide the significance of the upcoming encounter, admitting that the stakes will be high when Belgium take to the field again.

“We know the pressure will be high for the next match. We have to win and, with a bit of luck, finish first. Otherwise, we’ll qualify in second place.”

The result against Iran leaves Belgium with two points in Group G, but qualification remains firmly within their control.

Victory over New Zealand next Saturday would guarantee Belgium a place in the knockout stage regardless of other results. However, finishing at the top of the group may depend on the outcome of the meeting between Egypt and Iran.

Egypt boosted their hopes by securing the country’s first-ever World Cup victory, adding another layer of intrigue to the battle for qualification in Group G.

For Courtois, who is widely expected to be appearing at his final World Cup, the focus is now entirely on ensuring Belgium’s campaign continues beyond the group stage.

The goalkeeper’s message was clear: learn from the draw against Iran, embrace the pressure and deliver the result required against New Zealand. With qualification still within reach, Belgium’s destiny remains in its own hands.