Belgium goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois hinted at international retirement after Belgium crashed out of the FIFA World Cup 2026, losing to Spain in the quarter-final. He was unable to complete the match after picking up an unfortunate injury midway through the second half. He was substituted in the 71st minute, with Senne Lammens coming in as a replacement. When asked about his future with the Belgium national team, Courtois expressed his desire to take a long break, sitting out the upcoming UEFA Nations League.
However, it all depends on the federation. Courtois said that he would convey his decision to the management. If they agree to opt him out of the Nations League, there could be a chance that the Real Madrid start would return to international football. Otherwise, the knockout clash against Spain could be his last game in the national colours.
What Did Courtois Say About His Belgium Future?
A core member of Belgium’s golden generation, Courtois said that he could make a comeback for the EURO 2028 qualifying campaign. However, it appears certain that he doesn’t want to feature in the Nations League, starting in September.
“Regarding my future with the national team, we’ll see. I’d like to perhaps take a break from the Nations League, which isn’t that important, and maybe return for the Euro qualifying campaign,” Courtois said.
“It’s a decision that has to be made together with the federation. If they agree with that plan. Otherwise, today would have been my last match,” he added.
Thibaut Courtois Injury Update
The 34-year-old had a heartbreaking end to what could have been his last FIFA World Cup game. He will discuss his plans with the federation before making the final call. As of now, Courtois would look to recover from the muscle issue that forced his withdrawal from the big quarter-final.
Belgium coach Rudi Garcia said after the match that Courtois wanted to continue despite his discomfort, but it could make the injury worse.
“You need to be concentrated and able to perform for these types of games. From the beginning of World Cup, I didn’t want players on the pitch who were not 100 percent and that was Courtois today. He was excellent throughout the World Cup, but we didn’t want his injury to get worse, and that is why we took him off,” the manager explained.
