Posted by Chinenye on Wed 09th Sep, 2026 - tori.ng
Belgium goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois has chosen to step away from the national team for now after a major change in the team's plans.
(Thibaut Courtois. Photo by Yahoo Sports)
Goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois has decided to take a break from Belgium's national team.
The 34-year-old Real Madrid goalkeeper said he will sit out the upcoming Nations League campaign but will return for Euro 2028 qualifiers in September 2027.
Courtois made his last appearance for Belgium at this summer's World Cup after 115 international appearances.
He will miss Belgium's Nations League matches starting with a game against Italy on September 25.
Belgium has a new coach, Mark Van Bommel, who told Courtois he could not guarantee him the starting goalkeeper position.
Courtois told a Belgian newspaper that he chose not to play the entire Nations League campaign with Belgium.
He said he would only come back if the new coach has injury problems and needs to call him up.
When asked about his future, Courtois said he wants to return for the European Championship qualifiers and will fight to prove he can be Belgium's first-choice keeper again.
He said if another goalkeeper performs well during the Nations League, the coach might continue with him.
But Courtois is determined to win back his spot.
Van Bommel's options for goalkeeper while Courtois is away include Manchester United's 24-year-old Senne Lammens and Chelsea's 21-year-old Mike Penders.