Belgium coach Mark van Bommel faces goalkeeper selection challenges

Red Devils Mark van Bommel Thibaut Courtois Matz Sels Belgium national team

New Belgium national team head coach Mark van Bommel faces immediate selection challenges ahead of upcoming matches against Italy, France, and Turkey. The squad is navigating significant changes in the goalkeeper position.

Matz Sels has officially retired from international football following discussions with Van Bommel, expressing disappointment over his exclusion from the 2026 World Cup. Additionally, Thibaut Courtois has decided to skip the Nations League to manage his physical workload and extend his career, though he remains available for Euro 2028 qualifiers.

With two veteran keepers unavailable, Van Bommel is expected to select from a smaller group of candidates. Potential options include Senne Lammens, Mike Penders, Maarten Vandevoordt, and Lucca Brughmans. The coach's first official squad announcement is scheduled for Friday, September 18, at the national training center in Tubeke.

Entities

Belgium national football team · Kevin De Bruyne · Mark van Bommel · Matz Sels · Romelu Lukaku · Senne Lammens · Thibaut Courtois

Sources

'Over en out voor Courtois bij Rode Duivels' [voetbal24.be]

1 day ago

¡Sels se retira de la selección belga! [www.mundodeportivo.com]

2 days ago

Voor in de agenda: dit is wanneer Mark Van Bommel zijn eerste selectie bekendmaakt - Voetbalnieuws [www.voetbalkrant.com]

3 days ago

'Geen Courtois of Sels: Van Bommel kiest uit deze keepers' [www.voetbalnieuws.be]

2 days ago

Courtois laat deur open en krijgt kritiek: "Het is een groot managementprobleem" [www.voetbalprimeur.be]

2 days ago