FIFA World Cup
Thibaut Courtois reveals he wanted to stay on against Spain, but Rudi Garcia took him off
Thibaut Courtois delivered one of the most notable post-match comments following Belgium's elimination against Spain in the FIFA World Cup 2026 quarterfinals.… Show More
Thibaut Courtois delivered one of the most notable post-match comments following Belgium's elimination against Spain in the FIFA World Cup 2026 quarterfinals.
Thibaut Courtois delivered one of the most notable post-match comments following Belgium's elimination against Spain in the FIFA World Cup 2026 quarterfinals.
The Real Madrid goalkeeper admitted that he did not want to leave the match and felt capable of continuing, but Rudi Garcia ultimately decided to substitute him as a precaution because of a muscle issue.
Courtois wanted to stay on
The goalkeeper explained that he took a kick early in the second half and then began feeling discomfort in a muscle.
"It was a kick at the start of the second half. I felt something here in my muscle, then I made a few saves, felt fine and was able to continue. Later in the match, I felt it again a little more. When it's muscular, you have to be careful. Obviously, I wanted to continue, but the coach wanted someone who was 100 percent. It was his decision."
Courtois said the issue was not affecting him when he was called upon to make saves.
"I wanted to try for another five or ten minutes. In goal, I felt fine. I was making the saves and it wasn't bothering me when I made them, but it was the coach's decision."
No conflict with Rudi Garcia
Although he admitted he wanted to remain on the field, Courtois insisted there was no dispute with Belgium's head coach.
"It's not a problem. I gave him a hug. There wasn't much more I could do in that moment."
He also backed Senne Lammens, who replaced him.
"For a goalkeeper, it's a difficult moment, and he's a great goalkeeper. If you become stronger because of something like this, then it's not a problem."
Courtois' comments point more to a difference in medical and tactical judgment than to any major disagreement with Rudi Garcia.
Could Courtois retire from Belgium duty?
The goalkeeper also addressed his international future and left open the possibility of taking a break after the World Cup.
"Regarding my future with the national team, we'll see. I would perhaps like to take a break from the Nations League, which isn't that important, and return for the European Championship qualifiers."
Courtois said his future will depend on discussions with the Belgian federation.
"It's a decision that has to be made with the federation. If they agree with that plan. Otherwise, today may have been my last match."
Belgium enters a period of major decisions
The defeat to Spain not only ended Belgium's World Cup campaign, but also raised questions over the future of several members of its golden generation.
Courtois has not closed the door on continuing with Belgium, but he made it clear that he wants to manage his international schedule and potentially return for Euro 2028 qualifying.
