Major Blow for Belgian Football: Real Madrid Goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois Puts International Career on Hold

Pulse Sports Team 12:03 - 09 September 2026

Belgian football goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois has decided to put his international career on hold until September 2027. He aims to return to the national squad for the Euro 2028 qualifiers next year.

Real Madrid's goalkeeper will miss the upcoming Nations League season under new coach Marco van Bommel, starting with the match against Italy on September 25th. Van Bommel had previously informed Courtois that he could not guarantee him a starting position.

"I've decided not to play the entire Nations League season with the Belgian team," Courtois told Belgian newspaper Het Laatste Nieuws after Madrid's 2-1 Champions League victory over Inter Milan on Tuesday.

"If the national team coach faces injury problems, then I might exceptionally be called up," Courtois noted.

Van Bommel's options for the goalkeeping position include 24-year-old Senne Lammens from Manchester United and 21-year-old Mike Penders from Chelsea. "If they perform well in the Nations League, van Bommel might continue with them. I'll be available again for the European Championship qualifiers," Courtois stated.