Belgium’s new coach, Rudy García, is eager to bring “the world’s best goalkeeper” Thibaut Courtois back into the national team after a long absence due to a fallout with former coach Domenico Tedesco. Courtois, who hasn’t played for Belgium since June 2023, is now hopeful of returning to international football following Tedesco’s dismissal earlier this month. The 32-year-old Real Madrid goalkeeper could be called up again under García’s leadership.
Speaking to the media on Friday, García expressed optimism about Courtois’ potential return, stating, “Thibaut Courtois is one of Belgium’s best players. We still have good goalkeepers, but in my opinion, Thibaut is the best goalkeeper in the world.”
Along with Courtois, García is also eager to engage with other key Belgium players, including striker Romelu Lukaku and midfielder Kevin De Bruyne, who have not played for Belgium recently. He plans to visit Madrid, Manchester, and Naples to discuss their involvement with the national team. García believes that working with top players is the easiest, as they are more transparent and honest, with plenty of experience to contribute to the team’s balance.
García will also rely on former Belgian midfielder Eden Hazard for insights about the team, though Hazard will not have an official role in the squad. “I talk to Eden Hazard a lot. He will be part of our exciting journey for the 2026 World Cup, and he can help us,” said García. “He could be important for us because he was part of the team. Having one of Belgium’s best players by my side is very appealing.”
Belgium will face Ukraine in a two-legged match in March, aiming to maintain their spot in the Nations League ‘A’. They will also play World Cup qualifying matches later.
