Courtois reportedly does not want to make a final call before seeing how Belgium perform and how the squad environment develops. “Se tivermos uma boa Copa do Mundo, claro. E se eu continuar sentindo o bom ambiente dentro do grupo. Depois, vou precisar ter uma conversa interna com o treinador, Vincent Mannaert e os médicos”, he said.
That makes the issue bigger than a simple question of age or fitness. The goalkeeper is still expected to play for several more years at club level, but international football brings a different physical and emotional demand. Courtois has reportedly become more conscious of managing his body after recent injury problems.
The possibility of Courtois stepping away would mark a major transition for Belgian football. He has been central to the country’s modern golden generation, and replacing a goalkeeper of his stature would not be straightforward.
Courtois also referred to the idea of “passar o bastão” - passing the baton - while pointing to emerging options such as Senne Lammens and Mike Penders. His comments suggest the next generation is already part of the conversation, even if no handover has been confirmed.
He reportedly linked his thinking to periods away from Belgium during Domenico Tedesco’s tenure, when time away allowed him to recover and work without the pressure of international duty. That history may make the atmosphere around the team particularly important in his final decision.
For now, Courtois says he is fit and motivated for Belgium’s Group G opener against Egypt. The team will then face Iran and New Zealand, giving the goalkeeper an immediate chance to shape the tournament narrative.
The next storyline is clear: a strong campaign and a positive dressing room could extend his international future, while an early exit may turn this World Cup into Courtois’ farewell.