Belgium’s veteran goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois has made it clear that he has no intention of stepping away from international football following the 2026 World Cup.
The Real Madrid shot-stopper, who earned his first cap for the Red Devils back in 2011, is set to start in Belgium’s tournament opener against Egypt in Seattle on June 16.
His latest remarks come as Belgium’s national team navigates a period of change, with several key figures from the so-called “golden generation”—including Kevin De Bruyne—nearing the final chapters of their international careers.
Still, Courtois left the door open for a possible extension beyond the 2026 tournament, depending on how Belgium performs and the outcome of personal talks afterward.
“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. Afterward, I’ll need to have an internal discussion with the coach, [technical director] Vincent Mannaert, and the doctors,” the goalkeeper added.
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