Witsel retires from internationals after 18-year Belgium career

Veteran midfielder Axel Witsel announced his retirement from international football on September 16, 2026, ending a Belgium career that saw him become their second-most capped player. At 37, he made his 140th and final appearance in a 2-1 World Cup quarter-final loss to Spain in July. Witsel debuted in 2008 and was a key player for Belgium's 'golden generation', which never won a major tournament.