Thibaut Courtois Opens Up About Future with Belgium After 2026 World Cup
Belgium’s veteran goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois has dismissed any immediate thoughts of retiring from international football after the 2026 FIFA World Cup. He insists he still has plenty to contribute to the Red Devils.
Courtois, who earned his first cap for Belgium in 2011, is slated to start in the team’s opening match against Egypt in Seattle on June 16. His remarks come as Belgium’s celebrated golden generation, featuring stars like Kevin De Bruyne and Romelu Lukaku, approaches the twilight of their international careers.
Despite that transition, Courtois hinted that his Belgium stint could stretch beyond the World Cup, depending on how the tournament unfolds and the discussions that follow.
“I still want to play for a few more years. And then you have to take care of your body,” he said.
“If we have a good World Cup, of course. And continuing to feel the good atmosphere within the group. Afterwards, I’ll need to have an internal discussion with the coach, (technical director) Vincent Mannaert, and the doctors.”
The goalkeeper also affirmed that he is fully fit and eager to begin the competition after overcoming injury setbacks earlier in the year.
“Yes, I’m very hungry, just like the rest of the group. I feel very good and I’m looking forward to it. I also worked very hard on my comeback during the spring. The quadriceps injury was unfortunate because at that moment I felt almost unbeatable. But I’m ready to maintain my level now and stay focused,” he added.
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