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The Independent UK
The Independent UK
Sport
Kieran Jackson

Thibaut Courtois makes strange request after World Cup exit: ‘I don’t know if Belgium will agree to this’

Thibaut Courtois Spain Senne Lammens Belgium

Thibaut Courtois has made the bold move to request a one-year sabbatical from playing international football with Belgium after exiting the World Cup 2026.

Courtois was in tears after he was substituted in the 70th minute for Senne Lammens in the 2-1 loss to Spain, with his replacement’s mistake in the dying minutes led to Mikel Merino’s match-winner.

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