Belgium midfielder Kevin De Bruyne has decided to continue his international career, saying he remains motivated and physically capable of representing his country despite being 35 and having just completed his fourth World Cup.
De Bruyne, who has won 124 caps and scored 38 goals for Belgium, said he had never seriously considered retiring from international football after the 2026 World Cup. He is now preparing for the next stage of his Belgium career under new head coach Mark van Bommel.
The decision keeps one of Belgium’s most experienced players in the national team as the country moves into a new era following the gradual departure of several members of its so-called golden generation.
De Bruyne said his decision was influenced by his physical condition, his own motivation and conversations with teammates who wanted him to remain with the team.
“Many players asked me to stay,” De Bruyne said, explaining that their encouragement contributed to his decision to continue.
A NEW BELGIUM ERA
De Bruyne’s decision comes as Belgium begins a new chapter under Van Bommel.
The midfielder has welcomed the new coach’s direct approach and said he is ready to help the team during the transition.
His role, however, could gradually change as younger players assume greater responsibility.
De Bruyne has indicated that he wants to contribute to that process rather than simply remain in the squad because of his seniority.
That makes his continued presence significant for a Belgium side attempting to combine experience with a younger generation.
124 CAPS AND FOUR WORLD CUPS
De Bruyne made his Belgium debut in 2010 and has since become one of the country’s most experienced international players.
His 124 appearances include participation at four World Cups — 2014, 2018, 2022 and 2026 — as well as several European Championships.
At the 2026 World Cup, De Bruyne scored during Belgium’s 5-1 victory over New Zealand and helped the team progress from the group stage.
His final World Cup appearance came in Belgium’s 2-1 defeat by Spain on July 10, according to Belgian Football Association records.
THE GOLDEN GENERATION MOVES ON
De Bruyne is now one of the last major figures from the Belgian generation that established the country as a regular contender at major international tournaments.
Former teammate Axel Witsel has retired, while goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois is sitting out the current Nations League campaign.
De Bruyne’s decision therefore gives Belgium continuity while the new coaching staff develops its plans for the future.
The midfielder has not, however, promised to continue indefinitely.
He acknowledged that his international career could come to an end within the next couple of years, while leaving open the possibility of continuing if he still feels motivated and physically capable.
FIRST TEST UNDER VAN BOMMEL
Belgium’s new era will begin with a friendly against Italy in Rome on September 25.
That match will be followed by Nations League meetings with France and Turkey over the following weeks.
The fixtures will give Van Bommel an early opportunity to assess his squad and establish his approach.
For De Bruyne, they will also provide another chance to demonstrate that he still wants to contribute at international level.
EXPERIENCE FOR THE NEXT GENERATION
De Bruyne’s continued involvement gives Belgium an experienced midfielder at a time when younger players are expected to take on greater responsibilities.
Rather than announcing his retirement after the World Cup, the veteran has chosen to continue for now.
His future will ultimately depend on his motivation and physical condition, but his immediate position is clear: Kevin De Bruyne is not finished with Belgium yet.
