Courtois Pauses Belgium Career Until 2027 Amid Changes

Thibaut Courtois, the 34-year-old goalkeeper for Real Madrid, has announced that he will put his Belgium national team career on hold until September 2027. This decision comes as he will miss the upcoming Nations League campaign under new head coach Mark Van Bommel, starting with a match against Italy on September 25.

Courtois, who has earned 115 international caps, last represented Belgium at the summer World Cup. The decision to step away was influenced by Van Bommel's inability to guarantee him the starting goalkeeper position.

Courtois stated, “I have made the choice not to play the entire Nations League campaign with the Red Devils,” and mentioned he could be called up if injury issues arise within the squad. He plans to make himself available for the Euro 2028 qualifiers next year, expressing his desire to compete for the first-choice goalkeeper role again.