Thibaut Courtois Says He’s Not Ready to Retire from Belgium After 2026 World Cup
Belgium’s veteran goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois has dismissed any immediate plans to retire from international football after the 2026 FIFA World Cup, insisting he still has plenty to offer the national team.
Having earned his first cap in 2011, Courtois is set to start Belgium’s opening match against Egypt in Seattle on June 16. His comments arrive as the nation’s celebrated golden generation, featuring stars like Kevin De Bruyne and Romelu Lukaku, approaches the twilight of its era.
Despite that transition, Courtois suggested his future with Belgium could extend beyond the World Cup, depending on how the campaign unfolds and the discussions held after the tournament.
“I still want to play for a few more years. And then you have to take care of your body.”
Thibaut Courtois
He added that a successful World Cup and the positive atmosphere within the squad would influence his decision, after which he would hold internal talks with head coach Domenico Tedesco, technical director Vincent Mannaert, and the medical team.
The goalkeeper confirmed he is fully fit and eager to begin the competition after overcoming a quadriceps injury earlier in the year.
“I feel very good, I’m hungry like the rest of the group, and I worked hard on my comeback during the spring. Although the injury was unfortunate, I am ready to maintain my level and stay focused,” he said.
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