Problems in the Belgium locker-room ahead of World Cup 2026
A complicated comeback
When Thibaut Courtois reappeared in Belgium’s training camp this month, many expected the tensions of the past to finally ease.
The 33-year-old goalkeeper had spent more than a year and a half away from the national setup after a public falling-out with former coach Domenico Tedesco, a conflict that shook the team during the Euro 2024 qualifying cycle.
According to reporting from EFE, Courtois travelled with the squad but was ruled out of the matches against Liechtenstein and Kazakhstan.
Team doctors confirmed he was dealing with a right-leg adductor problem picked up while playing for Real Madrid against Rayo Vallecano, an explanation that did little to calm public opinion.
Read also: Cristiano Ronaldo’s low-key white house appearance raises questions
Unease in the Belgian press
Belgian media reacted cautiously, noting how similar situations in the past had raised doubts about Courtois’ availability during international windows.
Current head coach Rudi Garcia attempted to tone down the controversy, saying the priority was simply having the goalkeeper reintegrated into the group.
With Courtois sidelined, Garcia turned to Nottingham Forest’s Matz Sels and Manchester United’s Senne Lammens to complete the November fixtures.
Garcia defended the decision, explaining that although Courtois might have been able to stay with the team, pushing him risked aggravating the injury. His message, however, struggled to drown out long-standing concerns.
Read also: Barça defender targeted by Saudi Club
A pattern that fuels skepticism
Belgium’s public broadcaster RTBF reviewed Courtois’ track record since joining Real Madrid in 2018. According to their figures, Belgium played 85 matches over that span, and Courtois featured in only 45, a 47 percent participation rate.
Even when excluding the 21-match stretch during his feud with Tedesco, RTBF calculated his absence rate at roughly 30 percent.
The outlet noted that some absences were medically justified, but others raised questions because injuries often appeared just before international breaks.
In contrast, Courtois has missed far fewer matches for Real Madrid, only about 21 percent overall, and closer to 11 percent if the long-term knee injury of the 2023–24 season is removed from the count.
Read also: Flood alert puts F1 Las Vegas GP preparations at risk days before event
A return that reignited debate
Five days after sitting out Belgium’s games, Courtois returned to action for Real Madrid against Elche. For some Belgian commentators, the quick turnaround reinforced long-standing suspicions.
Speaking to Cadena Cope, Courtois said he was puzzled by the criticism and insisted the decision to rest was simply precautionary. "It was a precaution. I didn’t expect my absence to cause so much noise in Belgium"
He added that, had Real Madrid played a league match on the same days as Belgium’s fixtures, he likely would have missed that as well.
The weight of past tensions
The goalkeeper’s dispute with Tedesco still casts a long shadow. The conflict, which began over the captain’s armband during a match against Austria in which Courtois reached his 100th cap, triggered an abrupt departure from camp and months of estrangement.
Read also: Barcelona step up interest in Vasco’s rising star Rayan
Although Tedesco was dismissed earlier this year and replaced by Garcia, the episode left scars among supporters.
Several Belgian analysts, including former international Philippe Albert, have expressed sympathy for Courtois’ recent situation.
Still, the combination of old grievances and recurring absences has made it difficult for the national fan base to embrace the idea that peace has fully returned.
Belgium is entering a transitional period ahead of the 2026 World Cup, with a generation shift underway after the gradual breakup of the so-called “Golden Generation.”
Read also: Gabriel Jesus speaks out on Arsenal exit rumours
Courtois, one of the team’s most accomplished players with more than 100 caps, is expected to be a crucial stabilizing figure.
His availability, however, has become a recurring storyline. Critics argue that steady participation from senior players is essential as Belgium reshapes its identity, while supporters believe Courtois is being unfairly judged after a difficult injury-plagued stretch.
With World Cup preparations intensifying in 2025, every absence, real or perceived, carries added weight.
