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‘It’s hard to call yourself a ‘Golden Generation’ when you don’t win anything’: Thibaut Courtois admits Belgium’s early exit from World Cup is ‘a bit embarrassing’
Belgian goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois has admitted that it’s hard to refer to his team as a ‘golden generation’ when they haven’t won anything.
Despite having high-profile players in their squad, including Kevin de Bruyne, Romelu Lukaku and Eden Hazard, Belgium were knocked out in the group stage of the World Cup in Qatar.
Belgium finished third at the last World Cup in 2018, but have failed to win any trophies with this talented group of players.
Thibaut Courtois says his Belgian team don’t deserve to be called ‘golden generation’
Courtois described Belgium’s departure as “a bit embarrassing” and insisted his team is not a “golden generation”.
As reported by WHAT, Courtois said: ‘In this World Cup and in the Euro we were not ourselves, it is a bit embarrassing. We will see what will happen, who will stay, who will not stay. Football Goes fast. In March there are already qualifying matches for the Eurocup.
‘It’s hard to call yourself a ‘Golden Generation’ when you don’t earn anything. We are not a golden generation, we are a generation with a lot of talent and great players from all over Europe. At Russia 2018 we showed that we were a Belgium that played good football.’
Belgium suffered more frustration in Qatar and coach Roberto Martínez left
Courtois confirmed that he hopes to play for Belgium in the 2026 World Cup, which will take place in Canada, Mexico and the United States when he turns 34.
He said: ‘Yes, that’s my goal. We still have a good generation and there are players who will join. I hope that when I stop playing with the Red Devils it will be at a good time, not now.
As Courtois alludes, the composition of the Belgium squad could change drastically. Coach Roberto Martinez has already left and Eden Hazard is considering retiring internationally.
Courtois hopes to continue being part of Belgium’s squad at the 2026 World Cup
Courtois revealed that after Belgium’s exit from the tournament he will now support Spain and wished his Real Madrid teammates who are still competing in Qatar good luck.
He said: ‘I will now support Spain, and I also wish success to my remaining club mates.’
Belgium’s World Cup campaign began with a 1-0 win against Canada, but they were beaten 2-0 by Morocco and then drew 0-0 with Croatia.
Courtois, who has 100 caps, has been part of the Belgium team in five major tournaments.