Overview
- Lammens came on for an injured Thibaut Courtois and, in the final minutes of the quarter‑final on Friday, spilled Pau Cubarsí’s shot so Mikel Merino could score the rebound and give Spain a 2‑1 win.
- Belgian outlets offered mixed coverage that ranged from blaming Lammens for the defeat to expressing sympathy for the 24‑year‑old after a high‑pressure World Cup cameo.
- High‑profile pundit Zlatan Ibrahimović publicly questioned coach Rudi Garcia’s decision to bring Lammens on and described the goalkeeper as overrated.
- Lammens arrives back at Manchester United after a breakout 2025/26 season in which he won a Signing of the Season recognition and the club is reported to be preparing an internal support effort led by senior teammates.
- Spain advance to face France in the semi‑final in Dallas and Belgium must now decide whether Lammens remains part of their long‑term plans as the late error raises reputational and selection questions for the national team.