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Will Thibaut Courtois leave Belgium? Goalkeeper opens up about his international future
Thibaut Courtois has cast doubt over his immediate future with Belgium following the team's quarterfinal exit from the FIFA World Cup 2026.
Thibaut Courtois has cast doubt over his immediate future with Belgium following the team's quarterfinal exit from the FIFA World Cup 2026.
The Real Madrid goalkeeper revealed that he would like to take a break from international football after the World Cup but hopes to return in time for the UEFA Euro 2028 qualifying campaign.
Courtois wants to take a break
After Belgium's 2-1 defeat to Spain, Courtois explained that he is considering sitting out the next UEFA Nations League campaign.
"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."
The Belgian goalkeeper stressed that the decision must be discussed with the national federation.
His future depends on an agreement
Although Courtois hopes to return for Euro 2028 qualifying, he admitted that nothing has been decided.
"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."
His comments leave open the possibility that the quarterfinal against Spain could have been his final appearance for Belgium.
One of Belgium's greatest players
Courtois has been one of the key figures of Belgium's golden generation for more than a decade.
Following the World Cup elimination, the veteran goalkeeper acknowledged for the first time that he may step away from international duty, while still hoping to represent Belgium again in the future.
