Following Belgium's defeat to Spain at the World Cup, Kevin De Bruyne and Thibaut Courtois considered their future with the national team, implying a need for rest and recovery.

Kevin De Bruyne and Thibaut Courtois Consider Future Together

According to Foxsports.

Background

Kevin De Bruyne, with 124 caps for the Belgian national team, and Thibaut Courtois, the main goalkeeper who is injured, are two key figures in the team. Their decision to continue or not could affect not only the team's performance at the 2026 World Cup, but also the development of the younger generation of players in Belgium.

Why this is important

Belgium's defeat to Spain in the World Cup marked the end of the journey for a team that had hoped to compete at the highest level. Kevin De Bruyne and Thibaut Courtois, as senior players, have a huge influence on the team's performance, and their decision to consider a future in the national team could have a significant impact on the structure and strength of the Belgian national team ahead of the 2026 World Cup.

Main Points

Kevin De Bruyne and Thibaut Courtois Consider Future Together.
After Belgium's defeat to Spain at the World Cup, Kevin De Bruyne and Thibaut Courtois considered their futures with the national team, implying a need for rest and recovery.
Kevin De Bruyne remains central to Belgium's plans.

Kevin De Bruyne and Thibaut Courtois have expressed doubts about their future with Belgium after their disappointing 2-1 defeat to Spain at the World Cup. Both veterans admitted they need time to recover after a very demanding season, while Courtois also revealed that he will discuss his future at international level with the Belgian Football Association and coach Rudi Garcia. Belgium's World Cup campaign ended with defeat to Spain, which puts the future of their two most experienced players in question. De Bruyne, having won 124 caps for Belgium, admitted that the physical demands of elite football had affected his performance, especially after undergoing hamstring surgery at the end of 2025. On the other hand, Courtois had to end his tournament early due to a quadriceps injury, although he wanted to continue playing. In an interview after Belgium's elimination, De Bruyne spoke about the physical toll he has had to endure in recent seasons and expressed his desire to take a "break" from the national team. "I had two or three difficult years and had a major operation," De Bruyne explained to Sporza. "I'm 35 years old. I'm proud to be able to stand here, give everything every day, and be an example for this young team." ![Image](https://a57.foxsports.com/statics.foxsports.com/www.foxsports.com/content/uploads/2026/07/1408/814/GettyImages-2239780812-scaled.jpg?ve=1&tl=1) When asked if this defeat was his last appearance for Belgium, he replied: "I don't think so, but let me rest for a moment now. It's been a busy year, and then we'll see." Courtois, who played an important role throughout the group stage, had to end his tournament injured. The Real Madrid goalkeeper, who has amassed 115 caps, has openly discussed his future on the international stage. "It would be good to take a year off from the Nations League so I can find rest," explained Courtois. "Then I can keep goal for the European Championship qualifiers and the European Championship again. Now it's up to the national coach and the federation to make a choice." "I will discuss it with Vincent Mannaert and the national coach. If they see it differently than I do, then I will have to consider whether I can remain a Red Devil. Maybe this is my last game as an international player." De Bruyne is expected to take time to decide whether he will continue his international career. Meanwhile, Courtois will hold talks with Garcia and Mannaert, with the outcome of those discussions likely to determine whether he remains part of Belgium's plans or ends his international career.

What happened next

The two veteran players are expected to have in-depth discussions regarding their future with the Belgian Football Association and coach Rudi Garcia. If De Bruyne and Courtois decide to step down, Belgium may need to find a replacement who can fill the void left behind, which could affect the outlook for the season and the team's preparations ahead of the upcoming tournament.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who lost Belgium's latest World Cup match?

Belgium lost to Spain with a score of 2-1 in the World Cup.

What impact will this defeat have on Belgium's position in the World Cup table?

This defeat ended Belgium's World Cup campaign, so they did not progress to the next round.

What did Kevin De Bruyne say about his future with the Belgian national team?

Kevin De Bruyne has revealed his desire to take a 'break' from the national team after a very demanding season.

When is the next match for the Belgian national team?

There is no information yet regarding the next match for the Belgian national team after the defeat in the World Cup.

What did Thibaut Courtois experience during the World Cup?

Thibaut Courtois had to end his tournament early due to a quadriceps injury.

Kevin De Bruyne and Thibaut Courtois consider their future together