Thibaut Courtois Hints at International Retirement After 2026 World Cup
Published June 12, 2026
Belgian goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois has suggested that the ongoing FIFA World Cup in 2026 could mark his final major tournament with the national team, citing a desire to prioritize his physical well-being and family.
Published — local time around the world
Real Madrid and Belgium's veteran goalkeeper, Thibaut Courtois, has cast doubt on his international future, indicating that the 2026 FIFA World Cup might be his last appearance for the Red Devils. The 34-year-old made these remarks as Belgium geared up for their opening Group G match against Egypt in Seattle, signaling a potential shift in one of football's most prominent careers.
Courtois's comments arrive amidst a period of significant change for the Belgian national squad, often referred to as its 'golden generation.' Several key players, including the likes of Kevin De Bruyne, are nearing the conclusion of their international tenures. The goalkeeper explicitly stated the likelihood of not continuing with the national team post-tournament is higher than that of remaining, emphasizing his need to manage his body and dedicate time to his family after years at the elite level.
However, the towering shot-stopper did not entirely close the door on extending his international career. Courtois left room for reconsideration, suggesting that a strong performance by Belgium in the tournament, coupled with a continued positive team atmosphere and subsequent discussions with the coaching staff and technical director, could influence his final decision. Should he depart, it would undoubtedly accelerate the integration of younger goalkeepers into the national setup, as Belgium looks to build for future competitions beyond the 2026 World Cup hosted across the USA, Canada, and Mexico.