Thibaut Courtois reveals removal from Belgium national team WhatsApp group

Thibaut Courtois Belgium national team Real Madrid Mark van Bommel WhatsApp

Real Madrid goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois has revealed that he was removed from the Belgium national team's WhatsApp group. In an interview with DAZN, the 34-year-old explained that the group is primarily used for sharing practical information, such as training schedules.

Courtois, who has 115 international caps, had previously considered retiring from international football following Belgium's quarter-final exit at the 2026 World Cup. However, he changed his mind due to the positive atmosphere within the squad. While he opted to sit out the UEFA Nations League to manage his physical recovery and attend his father's wedding, he has expressed a desire to return to the team in November.

He noted that he has already spoken with the new head coach, Mark van Bommel, and emphasized that he does not expect guaranteed starting status. Courtois stated he is comfortable with the coach choosing other goalkeepers, such as Senne Lammens, Maarten Vandevoordt, or Mike Penders, if they perform well. Regarding his club career, Courtois indicated that a contract extension with Real Madrid, which currently runs until June 2027, should be finalized soon.

Entities

Belgium National Team · Belgium national football team · DAZN · Mark van Bommel · Real Madrid · Thibaut Courtois

Claims

What the coverage asserts, and how many sources carry each claim.

[● 3 SOURCES] Courtois previously considered retiring from international football after the 2026 World Cup. www.voetbalprimeur.be · www.walfoot.be
[● 3 SOURCES] The goalkeeper's absence coincided with his father's wedding on September 26. www.voetbalprimeur.be · www.walfoot.be
[● 2 SOURCES] Courtois was removed from the Belgium team's WhatsApp group. www.voetbalprimeur.be · www.walfoot.be
[● 3 SOURCES] Mark van Bommel told Courtois he did not necessarily have to attend the international break. www.voetbalprimeur.be · www.walfoot.be
[● 3 SOURCES] Thibaut Courtois was absent from the Belgium national team during the recent Nations League break. www.voetbalprimeur.be · www.walfoot.be
[● 3 SOURCES] Courtois denied that his absence was due to a lack of guaranteed starting positions. www.voetbalprimeur.be · www.walfoot.be
[● 2 SOURCES] Courtois intends to rejoin the national team for the Euro 2028 qualifying campaign. www.walfoot.be