Belgium goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois has officially announced his desire to take a one-year break from playing for the Belgium national team following the team's elimination in the quarter-finals of the 2026 World Cup. This was reported by Qazaqyia.kz citing TASS.
Courtois emphasized that this proposal must be agreed with the Royal Belgian Football Association. If the team's management does not approve such a schedule, the 34-year-old goalkeeper will permanently end his international career.
If officials agree, Courtois plans to return to the national team for the qualifying cycle and play at Euro 2028.
"I would like to calmly spend one year, not play in the Nations League, and stay in Madrid to recover. There are too many games. There is Senne, Mike, or Marten — they can play, and the coach will make his choice. Give young players a chance, then come back. We'll see if the team agrees. If not, then that's it," Courtois told RTBF.
Earlier, Kursiv reported that Belgium lost to Spain. Courtois could not continue the match against Spain due to an injury and was substituted in the 71st minute. Senne Lammens replaced him on the field.