Fairytale goodbyes are a rarity in football. Belgium's 2-1 defeat to Spain in the quarter-finals of the 2026 World Cup likely marked the final bow for the four remaining members of the Red Devils' golden generation: Thibaut Courtois, Romelu Lukaku, Kevin de Bruyne, and Axel Witsel. These players have been mainstays of the national team since the 2014 World Cup in Brazil, but their last chance for glory ended with a mistake from one of their successors.

Courtois, who was injured, watched as 24-year-old Senne Lammens spilled an 88th-minute shot, allowing Mikel Merino to score the decisive rebound. Commentator Stephen Warnock remarked, "Lammens doesn't cover himself in any glory. He didn't make a mistake for Man United last year but this is another pressure."

The next generation will have their time, but it felt like a sad farewell for the old guard. The Belgian side that triumphed over Algeria 2-1 in their opening match of the 2014 World Cup featured an all-star lineup, including Eden Hazard, Mousa Dembele, and Vincent Kompany. Belgium topped their group in their first World Cup since 2002 and reached the semi-finals in 2018.

Critics argue that such talent should have led to greater success, but for a nation of fewer than 12 million, was international triumph ever realistic? Spanish journalist Guillem Balague stated, "To be a golden generation you have to win some gold."

Alongside the celebrated names, players like Leandro Trossard, Brandon Mechele, Timothy Castagne, Hans Vanaken, and Thomas Meunier likely played their last World Cup minutes. Manager Rudi Garcia expressed disappointment, stating, "I took a team that I wanted to take as far as possible. It is a shame because I think everyone deserves to go far in this World Cup."