World Cup
Thibaut Courtois warns about AI-generated fake news after viral hospital-bed image
Thibaut Courtois (34), spokesperson for the Belgian national team, addressed the media five hours before the team’s departure to Los Angeles for the crucial group match against Iran. He reflected on the disappointment following the 1-1 draw with Egypt, stressing that the Belgian squad remains focused despite external noise. “The disappointment in Belgium? We haven’t really experienced it because of the time difference,” Courtois said. “I understand everyone hoped for a great opening match, but you see at this World Cup that surprises and unexpected draws are common. Everything is close, and matches are decided on details.”
Courtois emphasised the need for “purity on the ball” against Iran, urging the team to play their own game while respecting the opponent. “We must not underestimate Iran,” he said. “Despite all the restrictions, they are in a difficult situation, but perhaps that will give them extra motivation.” A win is essential for Belgium to secure favourable travel arrangements, with Courtois noting that group-stage success would allow the team to remain in Seattle for the round of 16 and potential quarter-final, rather than facing a move to Dallas.
The goalkeeper also referenced the intense media scrutiny faced by other nations, contrasting it with the calmer environment surrounding the Belgian camp. “In Spain, Portugal, and the Netherlands, the storm has already broken after a draw,” he said. “Here, it’s still peaceful.” Courtois acknowledged the pressure that comes with high expectations at a World Cup, singling out Spain’s media landscape as particularly intense. “Spain is a special case with all the talk shows, radio stations, and newspapers,” he said. “Sometimes made-up stories are written that can harm players. I wonder: who takes responsibility for that?”
Courtois criticised the role of social media in amplifying misinformation, citing an AI-generated image of him in a hospital bed that circulated widely. “When I injured my tendon in March, a fake photo of me in a hospital bed with other players around me spread,” he said. “Someone messaged me: ‘Is this real?’ It was just AI. Players, especially the younger generation, have to learn to live with this.” He added that while being in his thirties has its advantages, he reflected on the stark contrast between his early contracts at Genk and Atlético Madrid and the salaries young players earn today.
The Belgian captain concluded by stressing the importance of unity within the squad. “The more unrest there is in the press, the more it seeps into the group,” he said. “We know well enough what we did wrong against Egypt and what needs to improve.” Courtois’s remarks came as Belgium prepared to face Iran in a must-win scenario to avoid a potential move to Dallas for the next round.
“Wij weten goed genoeg wat we fout hebben gedaan,” Courtois said after the Egypt draw. “Als er niet te veel kritiek is, is dat beter voor ons om het toernooi zo goed mogelijk af te ronden.” He acknowledged that criticism is inevitable after poor performances but stressed that excessive negativity could disrupt the team’s focus. “There is a lot expected at a World Cup, and that’s normal,” he added.
The Belgian squad’s next match against Iran carries added significance beyond the pitch. A victory would keep them in Seattle, while a draw or loss could force a relocation to Dallas, complicating logistics for players and their families. Courtois, who has firsthand experience of extensive travel during the 2018 World Cup, made it clear that the team is acutely aware of the stakes. “We realise we have to push for the group win,” he said. “Against Iran, we want to win by as many goals as possible.”
Courtois also touched on the broader challenges of modern football, including the rapid spread of misinformation. “The social media landscape makes it easy for unverified stories to go viral,” he said. “Many journalists now share content without verifying its authenticity, and that’s damaging. As players, we have to adapt, but the younger generation will have to live with this reality.” His comments underscored the growing intersection of technology and football, where AI-generated content can distort public perception almost instantly.