--- title: "Courtois returns to Real Madrid after the 2026 World Cup: first training session, team status, and Lunin's fate" description: "🔥 Thibaut Courtois returns to Real Madrid after the 2026 World Cup! First training session, individual recovery program, and Lunin's fate — we break down the details. 🇧🇪🇪🇸 #RealMadrid #Courtois #Lunin #ChampionsLeague" date: 2026-08-08T07:46:00.000Z lang: en url: https://xab.info/en/posts/courtois-returns-to-real-madrid-after-the-2026-world-cup-first-training-session-team-status-and-lunins-fate tags: [real-madrid, kurtua, lunin, champions-league, jose-mourinho, preseason] publisher: "XAB.info" --- # Courtois returns to Real Madrid after the 2026 World Cup: first training session, team status, and Lunin's fate ![Thibaut Courtois at his first training session with Real Madrid after the 2026 World Cup: goalkeeper in team kit in front of the goal](https://xab.info/media/2026/08/08/kurtua-vernuilsya-v-real-posle-chm-2026-pervaya-trenirovka-status-v-komande-i-sudba-lunina/kurtua-vernuilsya-v-real-posle-chm-2026-pervaya-trenirovka-status-v-komande-i-sudba-lunina-1.webp) ## 🎯 Key Points - Thibaut Courtois held his first training session after the 2026 World Cup - An individual recovery program has been developed - Courtois is not yet included in the squad for the match against Ferencvaros - There are contradictions in the assessments of the prospects for Courtois and Lunin - Jose Mourinho is counting on the stability of the experienced goalkeeper August 8, 2026, marked a significant day for Real Madrid: the team's starting goalkeeper, Thibaut Courtois, officially began his pre-season preparations. The Belgian goalkeeper held his first training session following the conclusion of the 2026 World Cup, where his national team lost to the future champions, Spain, in a dramatic quarter-final. It was in this match that Courtois sustained an injury that delayed his return to the club. ### Individual recovery program According to Real Madrid's press office, Courtois joined the squad during the pre-season training camp. The medical and coaching staff developed a personalized training program for him aimed at gradually restoring his physical condition. The goalkeeper will train on an individual schedule before being gradually integrated into the main group of players. This approach will help minimize the risk of re-injury and ensure a smooth transition to full training loads. ### Return of the leader and Mourinho's plans Courtois's return holds strategic importance for Real Madrid. The new head coach, Jose Mourinho, who is simultaneously overseeing a major squad overhaul and executing high-profile transfers, is counting on the stability of the experienced goalkeeper. As a key figure in defense, Courtois is capable of providing reliability during critical moments of the season. His presence will also boost team morale and strengthen competition for the number one spot. ### The fate of Lunin and other goalkeepers Despite Courtois's return, he is not yet competing for a starting spot. Thibaut was not included in the official squad for the friendly match against Ferencvaros on August 8. Instead, three goalkeepers were named: Andriy Lunin, Xavi Navarro, and Sergio Mestre. This decision highlights the club's cautious approach to the goalkeeper's workload as he begins his recovery. ### Contradictory data There are discrepancies in assessments regarding the prospects of Courtois and Lunin. On one hand, Real Madrid's press office emphasizes the importance of the Belgian's return and his role in Mourinho's plans. On the other hand, sources within Spanish football (specifically ua-football.com) report that the club is already considering finding a successor to Courtois and assigning Lunin a significant role in the future. Andriy Lunin, demonstrating consistent performances in the absence of the starting goalkeeper, may get the chance to establish himself in the lineup. These contradictions create a tense situation in Real Madrid's goalkeeping department. ### Additional details: Mbappe and other stars Kylian Mbappe is also absent from the squad for the match against Ferencvaros, raising questions about his current condition. However, players such as Vinicius Junior, Dean Huijsen, and Antonio Rudiger, who had previously missed friendly matches, were included in the lineup. It was previously reported that the contract saga between Real Madrid and Vinicius has officially concluded — the Brazilian signed a new long-term contract, strengthening the club's attacking positions. ## 🔍 Fact-Check Verification - [Courtois makes an important statement about his condition: what does this mean for Lunin?](https://www.ua-football.com/foreign/spain/1785225358-kurtua-sdelal-vazhnoe-zayavlenie-o-svoem-sostoyanii-chto-yeto-znachit-dlya-lunina.html) - Источник подтверждает возвращение Куртуа и обсуждает его влияние на статус Лунина. - [Real Madrid is already looking for a successor to Courtois: what role is assigned to Lunin](https://www.ua-football.com/foreign/spain/1783431134-real-uzhe-ischet-preemnika-kurtua-kakoe-mesto-otvodyat-luninu.html) - Источник подтверждает возвращение Куртуа и обсуждает его влияние на статус Лунина. ## ❓ FAQ ### Q: When did Thibaut Courtois return to Real Madrid? **A:** Courtois officially began his pre-season preparations on August 8, 2026. ### Q: Why was Courtois not included in the squad for the match against Ferencvaros? **A:** The club decided on a gradual recovery for the goalkeeper, so he is not yet included in the squad. ### Q: What is Andriy Lunin's role in the team? **A:** Lunin is included in the squad for the match against Ferencvaros and may get the chance to establish himself in the starting lineup. ### Q: What is known about Jose Mourinho's plans? **A:** Mourinho is counting on the stability of the experienced goalkeeper Courtois as part of the squad overhaul.