Belgian Thibaut Courtois wants to get rest and stay away from his country's national team for a year after exiting the World Cup.
Thibaut Courtois
Club: Real Madrid
Spain's national team snatched the qualification ticket to the semi-finals of the 2026 World Cup by defeating Belgium with a score of 2-1.
Courtois said in statements via the press area: "I need a period of rest after exiting the World Cup".
The Real Madrid goalkeeper added, "I want to stay away for a year, then return to play in the qualifiers and the European Nations Cup tournament".
He concluded his statements, "I do not know whether this plan aligns with the vision of the Belgian Federation".
Thibaut Courtois suffered a muscular injury that led to his substitution and exit from the pitch, with Senne Lammens replacing him in the 72nd minute.
Fabian Ruiz and Mikel Merino scored Spain's brace, while Charles De Ketelaere scored Belgium's goal.
Spain's national team qualified to face France in the semi-final on Tuesday, July 14, at ten in the evening.
