WORLD CUP | Courtois Seeks One-Year Belgium Sabbatical After World Cup 2026 Exit

Thibaut Courtois said he has asked to take a one-year break from Belgium duty after the team’s World Cup 2026 exit, saying he wants to return for Euro 2028 qualifying and the Euro 2028, according to Yahoo Sports. Courtois was substituted in the 70th minute for Senne Lammens during Belgium’s 2-1 quarter-final loss to Spain after feeling a thigh issue, and a late mistake by Lammens helped lead to Mikel Merino’s match-winning goal; Courtois said the change was coach Rudi Garcia’s decision and later backed Lammens after the error.