Overview
- Courtois announced on Wednesday that he will skip Belgium’s upcoming UEFA Nations League and will only be called up in exceptional injury cases.
- He said he intends to return for Euro 2028 qualifying, which begins in March 2027, so this is a temporary stand‑down rather than retirement from international football.
- Van Bommel held face‑to‑face talks with Courtois in Madrid and warned there is no guarantee the goalkeeper will reclaim the No.1 shirt when he comes back.
- Belgium will promote younger options such as Senne Lammens and Mike Penders to compete in the Nations League fixtures that will shape the pecking order.
- Real Madrid opened talks and have reportedly agreed a one‑year extension keeping Courtois at the club through summer 2028, aligning his club future with his reduced international availability.