Courtois Not Ready To End Belgium Career After 2026 World Cup

Belgium 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.

The experienced goalkeeper, who earned his first Belgium cap in 2011, is set to feature in his country’s tournament opener against Egypt in Seattle on June 16. His comments come at a time when Belgium’s celebrated golden generation is nearing the end of its cycle, with players such as Kevin De Bruyne and Romelu Lukaku approaching the twilight of their international careers.

Despite that transition, Courtois suggested his future with Belgium could extend beyond the World Cup, depending on how the campaign unfolds and 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,” 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 said 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 said.