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Courtois: 'This could be my last national team match'
Belgium national team and Real Madrid goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois was injured and left the field in tears during the World Cup quarterfinal against Spain. In his statement after the match, he hinted that his national team career might come to an end.
Belgium national team and Real Madrid's star goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois made striking statements about his national team career after his injury in the 2026 World Cup quarterfinal against Spain.
In the 67th minute of the match, Courtois felt pain during a long ball and tried to continue after receiving treatment on the sidelines. However, in the 72nd minute, he was forced to leave the field in tears and was replaced by backup goalkeeper Senne Lammens.
"This could be my last match"
After the match, Courtois spoke about his national team future, saying:
"We'll see what happens with my national team future. Maybe I'd like to take a break from the Nations League because it's not the most important tournament for me. Then I'll return for the European Championship qualifiers. But ultimately the decision belongs to the Belgian Football Federation. If they don't see it as appropriate, this could be my last match."
Courtois also shared details of his injury: "I'm disappointed, but these things happen in football. I felt something while playing a long ball. At first I thought the back muscle was tired. There was discomfort during saves, and then with another long ball the pain increased."
After a medical check, the goalkeeper said he wanted to continue but couldn't take long balls: "The coach told me he would change me if I wasn't 100% ready. I said I couldn't take long balls but I wanted to try. I told him it was okay if he wanted a fully ready player."
Support for the backup goalkeeper
Courtois also spoke about the goal Spain scored after backup goalkeeper Senne Lammens' mistake, with Mikel Merino finding the net: "The pitch was very dry, and what happened was unfortunate. That's football, we shouldn't blame the player or attack him. He's a great goalkeeper, he had a great season at Manchester United, and he doesn't deserve this blame."
Match assessment
Courtois said Spain took their chances better: "It was unlucky that the rebound came to Fabian Ruiz. In the second half they created more opportunities, but I was good in saves and on Lamine Yamal's crosses. I thought it would be very difficult for them to score a second goal."
The experienced shot-stopper also reflected on Belgium's tournament performance: "We defended in the matches against Egypt, Iran, New Zealand, Senegal and the USA. Scoring against Spain was important, but we should have done more."
Message to Real Madrid fans
Courtois concluded by reassuring Real Madrid fans: "I'm looking forward to returning to Real Madrid. First I'll wait for the MRI results; I don't think the injury is serious. I hope to be fully ready by mid-August."
Courtois, who has suffered several muscle injuries in recent years, most recently injured his right thigh anterior muscle in March and returned to the pitch in May.
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