Courtois Out: Belgium Faces World Cup Qualifiers Without Star Goalkeeper!

In Summary:

Belgium’s top goalkeeper, Thibaut Courtois, will miss the first two World Cup qualifiers due to a back injury.
The injury might also stop Courtois from playing in the Club World Cup with Real Madrid in June.
Nordin Jackers will join the Belgian squad, and Matz Sels is expected to start in goal for the upcoming matches.

Thibaut Courtois, Belgium’s main goalkeeper, will miss their first two World Cup qualifying matches this month because of a back injury, confirmed by his club, Real Madrid. This injury, called sacroiliitis, could also keep him out of the Club World Cup. As a result, uncapped Nordin Jackers has been called to the Belgian squad, and Matz Sels is likely to take Courtois’ place in goal for the upcoming crucial matches against North Macedonia and Wales.

Courtois Ruled Out of Belgian World Cup Qualifiers

Belgium’s top goalkeeper, Courtois, will miss the first two World Cup qualifiers due to a back injury. Photo courtesy.

Belgium’s main goalkeeper, Thibaut Courtois, will not be able to play in the country’s first two World Cup qualifying matches this month. He has pulled out of the national team squad because of a problem with his back.

This news was confirmed on Sunday, June 1, 2025, by his club team, Real Madrid. Courtois is a key player for both his club and country, and his absence will be a challenge for Belgium as they begin their journey to the next World Cup.

Details of Courtois’ Injury and Impact

Real Madrid announced that tests showed Courtois has what is called sacroiliitis. This is a medical condition where there is swelling in one or both of the sacroiliac joints. These joints are found where the lower part of the back connects with the pelvis.

The Belgian football association also released a statement about the injury. They said that medical teams from both Real Madrid and the Royal Belgian Football Association had talked a lot about Courtois’ back pain recently.

Both groups of doctors decided that the goalkeeper was not healthy enough to play in the upcoming international games.

This back injury might also affect Courtois’ ability to play in another important tournament, the Club World Cup, which is happening in the United States. His club, Real Madrid, is set to start their games in Miami on June 18.

Their first match will be against Al Hilal from Saudi Arabia. If his recovery takes longer than expected, Courtois might miss this significant club competition as well, which would be a big blow for Real Madrid.

Changes to Belgian Squad and Upcoming Matches

Nordin Jackers, who plays for Club Brugge and has never played for the senior national team before, will join the squad. Photo courtesy.

With Courtois out, the Belgian national team has called up a new player to take his spot. Nordin Jackers, who plays for Club Brugge and has never played for the senior national team before, will join the squad.

He will replace Courtois for the two important qualifying games.

For these two Group J matches, another experienced goalkeeper, Matz Sels from Nottingham Forest, is expected to step in and play in goal.

The first match for Belgium is against North Macedonia and will be played away in Skopje on Friday, June 6, 2025.

The second match will be at home in Belgium against Wales next Monday, June 9, 2025.

These are crucial games for Belgium to start their World Cup qualifying campaign strong, and they will need their replacement goalkeepers to perform well in Courtois’ absence.

The team will be working hard to adapt to this change and secure important points.