Belgium goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois says his international future will depend on discussions with new head coach Mark van Bommel after confirming he wants to continue playing for the national team following the 2026 World Cup.
Belgium appointed Van Bommel on a deal until Euro 2028 after the team’s 2-1 quarter-final defeat to Spain ended Rudy Garcia’s spell in charge. Courtois believes the former Netherlands midfielder has the credentials to lead Belgium into a new cycle.
“It’s not a big surprise because his name had been mentioned for quite some time,” Courtois said at a sponsorship event.
“I think he proved at Antwerp that he is a top coach. A lot of players speak very positively about him. I’m looking forward to getting to know him.”
The Real Madrid goalkeeper believes Van Bommel’s experience at the highest level will help him earn immediate respect inside the dressing room.
“The most important thing is that he played at the highest level. That experience is a positive and naturally brings respect from the players.”
Courtois, 34, said he has no immediate plans to retire from international football. However, he wants to skip the upcoming UEFA Nations League matches before returning refreshed.
“After the World Cup I definitely want to continue, but it will depend on my conversation with him.”
“I’d like to rest during the Nations League. We have to reach an agreement on that. Then I’ll decide whether I want to continue.”
Courtois also revisited the injury that forced him off against Spain in the quarter-finals. Belgium conceded the decisive goal after his replacement, Sana Lammens, entered the match.
“I only felt that I couldn’t take goal-kicks anymore. One of the defenders could have taken them. I had no problem making passes.”
“But the coach said, ‘We agreed that only players who are 100 per cent fit will play.’ That was the decision.”
Despite his disappointment, Courtois insisted he never blamed Garcia for the substitution.
“I was disappointed because it was against Spain and we were playing well. But the team is more important than me.”
“The decision had been made. There was never any bitterness between us. I never wanted to say anything bad about him.”
