Courtois signals Belgium exit after 2026 World Cup
Courtois hints this is his last dance
Thibaut Courtois has strongly suggested the 2026 World Cup will be his final tournament with Belgium. "The chance is greater that I won't continue after this tournament than that I will," the Real Madrid goalkeeper told the press from the team base in Seattle (7).
Speaking to multiple outlets, Courtois said the feeling is real: "Right now I have the sense that I'd better pass the torch" (4). He added: "It feels like I'm stopping" (2).
The 34-year-old is reportedly weighing the physical toll of playing for both club and country, with analysts suggesting he wants to extend his Real Madrid career at the expense of international duty (5). "It will never be the same again," noted a Belgian sports editor on the looming farewell (3).
Belgium open Group G against Egypt
Belgium kick off their World Cup campaign against Egypt, with Iran and New Zealand also drawn into Group G. The Rode Duivels are heavy favourites to win the group (10). Courtois is expected to start between the posts.
South Korea win as Broos fumes
South Korea secured a victory over Czechia in their World Cup opener (1). Meanwhile, Belgian coach Hugo Broos saw his South Africa side lose and was livid about a second red card shown to his team (9).
Fan reactions
Belgium supporters online are already dreading life after Courtois. The mood is a mix of gratitude and anxiety, many fans see him as irreplaceable and are urging the younger keepers in the squad to absorb everything they can before the torch is passed for good.
Sources
- 1. nieuwsblad.be — Duivels moeten probleempje oplossen en winst voor Zuid-Korea: dit hebt u vannacht gemist op het WK
- 2. voetbalprimeur.nl — Vaste waarde van België hint op interlandpensioen na WK: 'Voelt alsof ik stop'
- 3. nieuwsblad.be — “Het wordt nooit meer hetzelfde”: onze chef sport over het nakende afscheid van Thibaut Courtois
- 4. nieuwsblad.be — Waarom Thibaut Courtois (waarschijnlijk) aan zijn laatste WK start: “Op dit moment heb ik het gevoel dat ik de fakkel beter doorgeef”
- 5. nieuwsblad.be — ANALYSE. “Courtois wil Rode Duivels opofferen voor langere carrière bij Real Madrid”
- 7. sporza.be — Wordt dit zijn laatste WK? Thibaut Courtois over toekomst bij Rode Duivels: "Kans is groter dat ik niét doorga dan wél"
- 9. nieuwsblad.be — LIVE WK. Hugo Broos na nederlaag niet te spreken over tweede rode kaart voor Zuid-Afrika, Rode Duivels voeren intensiteit op op training
- 10. juvefc.com — World Cup 2026 Group G Winner: Odds, Predictions & Best Bets