Thibaut Courtois may retire after the FIFA World Cup 2026

Thibaut Courtois has indicated that the ongoing FIFA World Cup may mark the end of his distinguished international career

 Thibaut Courtois has indicated that the ongoing FIFA World Cup may mark the end of his distinguished international career, although he has not completely ruled out the possibility of continuing to represent his country beyond the tournament.

Speaking on Thursday ahead of Belgium’s Group G opening match against Egypt in Seattle, the 34-year-old shot-stopper reflected on his future with the national team. Courtois, who has been a cornerstone of Belgian football for more than a decade, acknowledged that retirement from international duty is currently the more likely outcome once the World Cup concludes.

Having made his senior debut for Belgium in 2011, Courtois has amassed 109 international appearances and has played a pivotal role in the nation’s rise as one of Europe’s most competitive footballing sides. Over the years, he has represented Belgium at multiple major tournaments, becoming one of the most experienced figures in the squad and a leader both on and off the pitch.

While discussing his future, Courtois admitted that he has not yet made a definitive decision. However, he suggested that the odds currently favor stepping away from the national team rather than extending his international career further.

“I’m not sure this is the right time to focus on what comes next, but at the moment, it seems more likely that I won’t continue after this tournament than that I will,” he said.

Despite those remarks, the goalkeeper emphasized that he remains physically capable of competing at the highest level. Courtois noted that maintaining his fitness and carefully managing the demands placed on his body have become increasingly important considerations as he progresses through the later stages of his career.

The Real Madrid star explained that he still has the desire and motivation to continue playing professional football for several more years. However, balancing club commitments, international responsibilities, and personal life is a significant factor in any decision regarding his future.

“My aim is to keep playing for a few more years. To do that, I need to look after my body and manage my workload properly. My family is here with me because there’s a possibility that this could be my final tournament,” Courtois said.

The Belgian vice-captain stressed that his ultimate decision will depend on a range of factors, including how Belgium performs at the World Cup and the atmosphere within the squad during the competition. He suggested that a successful campaign and a positive team environment could influence his thinking in the months ahead.

“If we have a strong World Cup and I continue to enjoy being part of this group, that could certainly affect my decision,” he explained. “After the tournament, I’ll sit down and reflect. I’ll need discussions with the coaching staff, including Vincent Mannaert, as well as the medical team before making any final choice.”

Courtois also reflected on the physical demands of international football and recalled occasions when former Belgium coach Domenico Tedesco opted to rest him during certain international windows. Those experiences, he noted, highlighted the importance of workload management and have played a role in shaping his current perspective on career longevity.

For now, Courtois remains fully focused on helping Belgium achieve success at the World Cup, with any decision about his international future set to come only after careful consideration once the tournament concludes.