Courtois hints this World Cup could be his last for Belgium

Courtois hints at Belgium retirement after World Cup

Thibaut Courtois has dropped a bombshell ahead of Belgium's World Cup opener. The 34-year-old goalkeeper told reporters the chances are higher he stops after this tournament than continues. "De kans is groter dat ik na dit toernooi niét doorga, dan dat ik wél doorga," Courtois said (8).

He also addressed his Real Madrid future calmly, noting the club's policy of year-to-year contracts after 30 but saying he wants to finish his career in Madrid. "At Real Madrid, the prevailing principle dictates that upon reaching the age of 30, contracts are renewed on a year-to-year basis. Therefore, I remain quite unconcerned regarding the matter." (3)

If this is his last dance for the Red Devils, it starts Monday.

Opening match: Belgium face Egypt on Monday

Your World Cup campaign kicks off Sunday, June 15 against Egypt in Group G (2). The last Belgium–Egypt meeting was pure chaos, with De Bruyne and teammates forced to flee their hotel through the kitchen after a fire alarm during a friendly four years ago (7).

This time the stakes are real. After the group-stage exit in 2022, nothing less than a winning start will do.

Lukebakio: Belgium's quiet weapon

He's Belgium's top scorer in 2026 with four goals, yet barely anyone is talking about Dodi Lukebakio (6). The 28-year-old winger is itching for Monday's opener. "Ik kijk als een klein kindje uit naar die eerste wedstrijd," he said, like a little kid waiting for Christmas. "Als je dan beseft dat het nog wachten is tot volgende week maandag ... (blaast) Da's nog lang." (6)

He's embracing the joker role in Rudi Garcia's squad, driven by his faith and ready to make an impact off the bench (4).

Garcia building around familiar duos

With limited preparation time, coach Rudi Garcia is leaning on existing partnerships to create chemistry fast (5). Instead of building new automatisms from scratch, he's structuring the team around club-level connections. Look for those familiar combinations when the team sheet drops Sunday.

Doku documentary reveals his journey

A new making-of documentary traces Jeremy Doku's path from Anderlecht's academy to Manchester City and the World Cup stage (1). "Ik zit in het koninkrijk van het licht", I sit in the kingdom of light, Doku says in the film. Worth a watch before the tournament kicks off.

Fan reactions

Belgian supporters are buzzing ahead of Monday's opener, with the Courtois retirement hint dominating the conversation. Many fans are torn between understanding his decision at 34 and hoping he'll reconsider if Belgium go deep in the tournament. The Lukebakio form is also getting attention, with supporters wondering if his 2026 goal tally earns him more than just a bench role against Egypt. Join the discussion on Reddit.