Thibaut Courtois to miss France-Belgium Nations League ties

Belgium will be without Thibaut Courtois for its two Nations League meetings with France after the Real Madrid goalkeeper announced a one-year reduction in his international commitments. The absence removes one of Belgium’s most important players as the team begins the new edition of the competition.

France will visit Belgium on September 28 before hosting the same opponents on October 5. The first meeting comes three days after France’s trip to Turkey, while Italy will visit the Stade de France on October 2. Courtois’ decision means Belgium must use another goalkeeper across the Nations League fixtures.

Courtois said he had discussed the plan with Belgium coach Mark van Bommel and intends to return during the qualifying campaign for Euro 2028. He also acknowledged that his replacement could keep the starting position if he performs well, leaving Courtois to compete for the number one role when he comes back.

The France fixtures will also mark a new start for Les Bleus. Zinedine Zidane, appointed during the summer to replace Didier Deschamps, will take charge of France for the first time in the Nations League. Courtois made his announcement after playing for Real Madrid against Inter Milan on Tuesday.