Courtois hints at retiring from Belgium after 2026 World Cup

Belgium goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois has suggested he could retire from international football after the 2026 World Cup. The 34-year-old Real Madrid keeper said recent injuries and physical issues have led him to think more seriously about his future with the national team. Courtois told Belgian media that being rested during international breaks under former head coach Domenico Tedesco had allowed him to recover and work on his game individually. He added that the World Cup could be his last major tournament with the Red Devils and that he plans to focus on his club career in the coming years. The comments came after Belgium drew both of their Group G matches against Egypt and Iran, with Courtois starting in goal. He kept a clean sheet apart from a single goal by Egyptian midfielder Emam Ashour and made key saves that prevented Belgium from dropping further points. His performances in the tournament underlined his standing among the world's top goalkeepers.