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Thibaut Courtois, one of the most decorated goalkeepers of his generation, is weighing whether to hang up his international gloves after the 2026 FIFA World Cup. The decision would cap a complicated, sometimes contentious chapter with the Belgian national team that has included a public coaching dispute, a two-year absence, and a dramatic return.
A rocky road back to the Red Devils
Courtois stepped away from Belgium’s national team setup in 2023 following a falling out with then-head coach Domenico Tedesco. The dispute was public enough to keep him sidelined through Euro 2024, a tournament Belgium entered without their first-choice keeper.
The situation only thawed when Belgium made a coaching change. Rudi Garcia took over the managerial reins, and Courtois officially rejoined the squad in March 2025 after nearly two years away from international duty.
His commitment was further cemented on May 15, 2026, when he was named to Belgium’s squad for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
Life beyond the pitch is already taking shape
Courtois co-founded NXTPLAY, a sports, media, and technology investment platform. The venture made a minority investment in his former club KRC Genk in June 2026.
The NXTPLAY investment in Genk ties Courtois back to Belgian football on his own terms, through ownership rather than obligation.
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