Courtois Takes Temporary Break from
Belgium National Team

Madrid, 9 Sep 2026 (ONA) — Real
Madrid goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois has temporarily stepped away from
international duty with Belgium and will miss the upcoming Nations League
fixtures, though he will be available for the Euro 2028 qualifiers, Belgian
media reported today.

The 34‑year‑old will not feature in
the Red Devils’ matches against Italy and France later this month, a decision
taken after talks with new head coach Mark van Bommel, Courtois confirmed
during a press conference on Tuesday evening following Real Madrid’s 2‑1
Champions League win over Inter Milan.

After Belgium’s quarter‑final exit
at the 2026 World Cup, the goalkeeper announced his intention to take a year’s
break from international football to maintain his fitness and focus on his club
form.

“I will be available again for
the Euro qualifiers, but Van Bommel told me he cannot guarantee me a starting
spot. If the goalkeeper who plays in the Nations League performs well, the
coach may keep his trust in him,” Courtois said.

In his absence, Van Bommel may turn
to Manchester United goalkeeper Senne Lammens or Chelsea’s Mike Penders.

— Ends/Khalid