I’ve No Plans To Retire From Football After 2026 World Cup –Courtois

Belgium goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois has confirmed that he does not plan to retire from international football after the 2026 World Cup.

The veteran, who earned his first cap in 2011, will be in goal for Belgium’s tournament opener against Egypt in Seattle on June 16.

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Courtois’s remarks come as the Belgian national team enters a broader phase of transition, with several senior players from the so‑called ‘golden generation’, including Kevin de Bruyne, approaching the latter stages of their international careers.

Nonetheless, the Real Madrid goalkeeper left the possibility of continuing his international career open, depending on Belgium’s World Cup performance and his own post‑tournament discussions.

“I still want to play for a few more years. And then you have to take care of your body,” he said. “If we have a good World Cup, of course. And continuing to feel the good atmosphere within the group. Afterward, I’ll need to have an internal discussion with the coach, (technical director) Vincent Mannaert, and the doctors,” he added.

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He also expressed confidence that he is fully prepared for Belgium’s opening match against Egypt, despite earlier injury setbacks.

“Yes, I’m very hungry, just like the rest of the group. I feel very good and I’m looking forward to it. I also worked very hard on my comeback during the spring. The quadriceps injury was unfortunate because at that moment I felt almost unbeatable. But I’m ready to maintain my level now and stay focused,” he said.