Van Bommel set to take charge of Belgium after Garcia exit following World Cup run

Belgium are poised to appoint former Netherlands international Mark van Bommel as their new head coach, replacing Rudi Garcia after the Red Devils’ World Cup 2026 quarter-final exit.

The Belgian Football Association confirmed that Frenchman Garcia would leave his role after the team’s campaign at the tournament in North America, where Belgium were knocked out in the last eight by eventual champions Spain in a 2-1 defeat.

According to prominent Italian journalist Fabrizio Romano, Van Bommel has reached a full agreement with the Belgian FA and is ready to take over the national side.

On his official X account, Romano wrote: “تم الاتفاق بين الاتحاد البلجيكي وفان بوميل على الاستمرار حتى يونيو/حزيران 2028، والمدرب جاهز ليحل محل رودي جارسيا”. (“An agreement has been reached between the Belgian federation and Van Bommel to continue until June 2028, and the coach is ready to replace Rudi Garcia.”)

If confirmed, the deal would keep Van Bommel in charge through to at least mid-2028, covering Belgium’s qualification campaign and participation in the next European Championship.

World Cup exit prompts change

Garcia’s departure comes in the wake of Belgium’s latest attempt to convert their highly rated squad into a major title. At the 2026 World Cup, they progressed to the quarter-finals before being eliminated by Spain, who went on to lift the trophy.

The 2-1 loss underlined both Belgium’s capacity to compete deep into tournaments and their struggle to take the final step against the very top sides. The Belgian FA has now opted for a new direction on the touchline as it manages the transition from the remnants of the so‐called “Golden Generation” to a younger core of players.

Van Bommel’s limited but varied coaching CV

Van Bommel, 47, enjoyed a distinguished playing career as a combative midfielder with Barcelona and Bayern Munich, among others, and was a mainstay of the Dutch national team. However, his coaching resume is relatively short.

He has led only three clubs so far: PSV Eindhoven in the Netherlands, Wolfsburg in Germany and Royal Antwerp in Belgium. Despite this limited experience, his time at Antwerp in particular has enhanced his reputation, giving him familiarity with Belgian football structures, players and culture.

The Belgian FA is understood to view that knowledge, coupled with his high-level playing background in Europe’s elite leagues, as an asset as the national side reshapes its identity.

Tactical rebuild on the horizon

Van Bommel is expected to oversee a comprehensive tactical reset for Belgium, working across all phases of play – from defensive organisation and goal protection to building possession, constructing attacks and creating chances.

While specific details of his approach with the national team are yet to emerge, his club sides have typically placed emphasis on structured pressing, compact defending and quick transitions, alongside attempts to control the ball in key areas of the pitch.

Belgium’s goalkeeping pool, traditionally a strength, along with their attacking and creative options, are likely to be central to his plans as he seeks to balance solid defensive foundations with fluid forward play.

New era for the Red Devils

Van Bommel’s expected appointment signals the beginning of a new chapter for Belgium after several years in which the team were often tipped as contenders at major tournaments but finished short of ultimate victory.

With a contract running to June 2028, the Dutchman will be tasked not only with immediate results in upcoming qualifiers but also with building a coherent long-term project that can carry Belgium through the next World Cup cycle.

Formal confirmation from the Belgian FA is anticipated soon, after which Van Bommel is likely to name his backroom staff and set out his vision for the Red Devils’ future.