Belgium Goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois Announces Year-Long Break from International Football

Thibaut Courtois, Belgium's long-serving and highly regarded goalkeeper, has announced he is taking a temporary hiatus from international duty. The decision comes in the wake of Belgium's disappointing elimination from the 2026 World Cup at the quarterfinal stage.

Courtois expressed his desire for a year-long break from playing with the national team, known as the Red Devils. He indicated that a potential return could be for the Euro 2028 qualifiers, but emphasized that the ultimate decision rests with the Royal Belgian Football Association (RBFA).

The 34-year-old goalkeeper, who has been a stalwart for Belgium for nearly 15 years since his debut in November 2011, has accumulated 115 caps for his country. He made it clear that if his request for a break is not accepted by the RBFA, his final match for the national team would be the 1-2 quarterfinal loss to Spain.

Belgium's schedule includes six UEFA Nations League matches before the end of the year. Their next major competition will be the Euro 2028 qualifiers, set to commence in March of next year. Courtois's potential absence leaves a significant gap in the team's defense as they look towards future tournaments.

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I want to take a year's break without playing for the Belgian national team. Maybe I will return for the Euro 2028 qualifiers, but ultimately it is a decision that must be made by the Federation.