Thibaut Courtois will sit out Belgium’s next UEFA Nations League campaign. The Real Madrid goalkeeper has decided to reduce his international workload in order to focus more fully on his club season.
The decision was made after discussions with Belgium’s new head coach, Mark van Bommel. The two men reached an agreement: unless the national team faces an emergency caused by injuries, Courtois, now 34, will not be called up for the upcoming Nations League campaign.
“I have made the decision not to play the entire Nations League campaign with the Red Devils. Unless the coach runs into problems because of injuries, in which case I could exceptionally be called up,” Courtois explained in an interview with Het Laatste Nieuws.
However, this decision should not be interpreted as an international retirement. Courtois has no intention of permanently closing the door on Belgium. Instead, the experienced goalkeeper wants to manage the final years of his career differently and carefully balance his responsibilities for club and country.
The Real Madrid star still plans to represent Belgium in the future and is targeting a return for the qualification campaign for the next European Championship. After years of playing at the highest level and dealing with an intense schedule, Courtois appears determined to protect his fitness and ensure that he can continue performing at his best.
His decision could nevertheless have consequences for his status within the Belgian national team.
Van Bommel has reportedly made it clear that Courtois will not automatically regain his position as Belgium’s first-choice goalkeeper when he decides to return. During his absence, another goalkeeper will have the opportunity to establish himself and potentially convince the new national coach.
Senne Lammens is currently expected to benefit from Courtois’ absence. The Belgian goalkeeper had already replaced the Real Madrid star during the World Cup quarter-final against Spain and could now receive another major opportunity to prove that he deserves a regular starting role with the Red Devils.
Courtois is fully aware of the risk involved in temporarily stepping away from international duty. A strong Nations League campaign from his replacement could create genuine competition for the No. 1 position.
🚨 THIBAUT COURTOIS 🇧🇪 MET SA CARRIÈRE INTERNATIONALE EN PAUSE !!! ❌
— Actu Foot (@ActuFoot_) September 9, 2026
Il ne disputera pas la Ligue des Nations avec la Belgique.
« Après un échange avec Mark Van Bommel, j’ai décidé de ne pas jouer la Nations League, À MOINS QUE LE SÉLECTIONNEUR NE SOIT CONFRONTÉ À DES… pic.twitter.com/vFp11ju5jp
“If the goalkeeper who plays in the Nations League performs well, Van Bommel could decide to continue with him,” Courtois admitted. “But I want to fight for my place. I want to show that when I come back, I can be the number one.”
It is therefore a calculated gamble from one of the most experienced goalkeepers in European football. Courtois wants to give priority to Real Madrid for the time being, while keeping his international ambitions alive.
The coming months could now reshape the hierarchy between the posts for Belgium. Courtois remains confident in his ability, but when he eventually returns to the national team, he may have to prove himself all over again to reclaim the starting position he has occupied for so many years.
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