Thibaut Courtois confirms he will not play in the Nations League for Belgium | OneFootball

Thibaut Courtois, 34, has confirmed he is pausing his international career with Belgium and will miss the Nations League campaign.

He made the announcement after Real Madrid's 2-1 Champions League win over Inter Milan on Tuesday. According to L'Équipe, the decision follows a discussion with new head coach Mark Van Bommel and reflects his wish to focus on fitness and club performances.

Courtois will therefore not face France in the Nations League, with Belgium playing on 28 September in Brussels then 5 October in Saint-Denis, as he had indicated after the World Cup.

In the quarter-final against Spain this summer, Courtois was replaced by Senne Lammens due to injury. Lammens made a handling error that hastened Belgium's 1-2 exit.

He has not ruled out a return with Euro 2028 in mind, although his starting place is not assured. He said Van Bommel could not guarantee him a starting spot, and that strong Nations League displays from the chosen keeper could keep him in the side.

Source: L'Équipe

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