Belgium Appoints Mark van Bommel as New Coach After Rudi Garcia's Exit
The Belgian Football Federation (RBFA) ended Rudi Garcia's tenure as head coach on July 20, 2026, following a World Cup quarter-final loss to Spain. Despite qualifying for the 2026 World Cup and securing Nations League promotion, the federation sought a new direction. Two days later, Mark van Bommel was appointed as Garcia's successor, signing a contract until Euro 2028. Van Bommel, a former Bayern Munich and Barcelona star, previously coached Antwerp to a domestic double.
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Belgium appoints Mark van Bommel as head coach to replace Rudi Garcia
Mark van Bommel has been appointed as the new head coach of the Belgium national football team, replacing Rudi Garcia. The 49-year-old Dutch former midfielder will officially take over on August 15, 2026, and will lead the team through the 2028 European Championship. He will be joined by assistant coaches Boudewijn Zenden, Maarten Martens, and Reinier Robbemond. Garcia departed after his 18-month contract ended, having led Belgium to the 2026 World Cup quarterfinals, where they lost to eventual champion Spain. Van Bommel, who previously coached Belgian club Royal Antwerp to its first league title in 66 years, also had stints at VfL Wolfsburg and PSV Eindhoven. Belgium is currently ranked eighth in FIFA's world rankings and has not advanced beyond the quarterfinals of the European Championship since 1996. Van Bommel expressed his commitment to building a disciplined, ambitious team.
Senne Lammens Gets New Manager as Belgium Appoints Mark van Bommel
The Belgian Football Association has appointed former Netherlands captain Mark van Bommel as the new head coach of the Belgian national team, replacing Rudi Garcia after Belgium's quarter-final exit at the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Van Bommel, 49, signed a contract until the end of Euro 2028 and will begin work on August 15. The appointment is significant for Manchester United goalkeeper Senne Lammens, who made his senior World Cup debut under Garcia after Thibaut Courtois was injured. Lammens had an outstanding first season at Manchester United, winning the Premier League's Transfer of the Season award. Van Bommel, who previously led Royal Antwerp to a league title, Belgian Cup, and Super Cup, will be assisted by Boudewijn Zenden, Maarten Martens, and Reinier Robbemond. Belgium's first matches under the new manager will be in the UEFA Nations League against Italy, France, and Turkey.
Mark van Bommel appointed Belgium head coach until Euro 2028
The Belgian Football Association (RBFA) announced on Friday that former Dutch international Mark van Bommel has been appointed as the new head coach of the Belgium national team, succeeding Rudi Garcia. The 49-year-old's contract runs until the 2028 European Championship in the United Kingdom. Van Bommel returns to coaching after a two-season break following his tenure at Belgian club Antwerp, where he won a league title, a cup, and a super cup. He previously served as an assistant coach for the Netherlands, Saudi Arabia, and Australia. His coaching staff includes Boudewijn Zenden, Maarten Martens, and Reinier Robbemond. Van Bommel's debut is expected in September during the Nations League, with matches against Italy and France. The article also notes Belgium's quarterfinal elimination by Spain at the 2026 World Cup.
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Mark van Bommel appointed head coach of Belgium's Red Devils after Rudi Garcia's departure
The Belgian Football Federation (RBFA) officially announced on Friday, July 24, 2026, the appointment of Dutchman Mark van Bommel as the new head coach of the Belgian national team, the Red Devils. The 49-year-old former midfielder, who previously coached PSV Eindhoven, Wolfsburg, and Antwerp, signed a contract until Euro 2028, which will be held in the United Kingdom. He succeeds Frenchman Rudi Garcia, whose contract was not renewed after Belgium's quarterfinal World Cup exit against eventual champions Spain. Local media reported differences between Garcia and several players, as well as with technical director Vincent Mannaert, who was dissatisfied with Belgium's group stage performances. Van Bommel will be assisted by former Marseille player Boudewijn Zenden. In an RBFA statement, van Bommel expressed his honor at the appointment and pledged to build a disciplined, ambitious team capable of competing with the best.
Mark van Bommel Appointed Belgium Head Coach After Rudi Garcia's Departure
The Belgian Football Federation (RBFA) officially confirmed on Friday the appointment of Dutchman Mark van Bommel as the new head coach of the Belgian national team, the Red Devils. The announcement follows the departure of French coach Rudi Garcia, whose contract was not renewed after Belgium's quarter-final exit at the 2026 World Cup against eventual champions Spain. Van Bommel, a former midfielder for the Netherlands and clubs including PSV, Barcelona, Bayern Munich, and AC Milan, has signed a contract until Euro 2028, which will be held in the United Kingdom. He will be assisted by former Marseille player Boudewijn Zenden. Van Bommel's mission is to lead Belgium to Euro 2028, and he stated his intention to build a disciplined, ambitious team. Reports indicate Garcia's departure was influenced by differences with players and technical director Vincent Mannaert over the team's performance during the World Cup group stage.
Mark van Bommel appointed Belgium head coach through Euro 2028
Belgium have appointed former Netherlands captain Mark van Bommel as their new head coach on a contract running through Euro 2028. The 49-year-old succeeds Rudi Garcia, who left after Belgium's quarter-final exit to Spain at the 2026 World Cup. Van Bommel will officially start on 15 August. He previously managed Royal Antwerp, winning the Belgian league title, Belgian Cup, and Belgian Super Cup. Van Bommel expressed honor at the appointment, citing Belgium's outstanding players and potential. Belgian FA sporting director Vincent Mannaert highlighted Van Bommel's international experience. His coaching staff includes Boudewijn Zenden, Maarten Martens, and Reinier Robbemond. Early tasks include Nations League matches against Italy, France, and Turkey.
Mark van Bommel appointed Belgium head coach through Euro 2028
Belgium have appointed former Netherlands captain Mark van Bommel as their new head coach on a contract running through Euro 2028. The 49-year-old succeeds Rudi Garcia, who left after Belgium's quarter-final exit to Spain at the 2026 World Cup. Van Bommel, who will officially start on 15 August, previously managed Royal Antwerp to a league title, Belgian Cup, and Super Cup. He expressed honor at the role, citing Belgium's outstanding players and potential. Belgian FA sporting director Vincent Mannaert highlighted Van Bommel's international experience. His coaching staff includes Boudewijn Zenden, Maarten Martens, and Reinier Robbemond. Van Bommel's early tasks include Nations League matches against Italy, France, and Turkey in September and October.
Mark van Bommel appointed Belgium head coach through Euro 2028
Belgium have appointed former Netherlands captain Mark van Bommel as their new head coach on a contract running through Euro 2028. The 49-year-old succeeds Rudi Garcia, whose departure was confirmed after Belgium's quarter-final exit to eventual world champions Spain at the 2026 World Cup. Van Bommel will officially take up the role on 15 August. He most recently managed Royal Antwerp, guiding the club to the Belgian league title, Belgian Cup and Belgian Super Cup during a successful two-year spell. Van Bommel expressed his honor at becoming head coach, citing Belgium's outstanding players and enormous potential. Belgian Football Association sporting director Vincent Mannaert highlighted Van Bommel's international experience as both a coach and player. Van Bommel will be assisted by Boudewijn Zenden, Maarten Martens and Reinier Robbemond, with an early task to oversee Nations League fixtures against Italy, France and Turkey across September and October.
Mark van Bommel appointed new Belgium head coach
Belgium has appointed Mark van Bommel as the new head coach of the national football team, replacing Rudi Garcia who departed after 18 months. The 49-year-old former Bayern Munich and Barcelona midfielder will officially take charge on August 15 and lead the team through the 2028 European Championship. Van Bommel, who has been out of work since leaving Belgian club Royal Antwerp at the end of the 2023-24 season, will be joined by assistant coaches Boudewijn Zenden, Maarten Martens, and Reinier Robbemond. Belgium were knocked out of the 2026 World Cup in the quarter-finals by eventual winners Spain, ending an 18-match unbeaten run. Van Bommel earned 79 caps for the Netherlands and reached the 2010 World Cup final as a player. He previously managed PSV, Wolfsburg, and Royal Antwerp, where he won the Belgian league title in his debut season. Belgium currently ranks eighth in FIFA's world rankings.
Mark van Bommel appointed new Belgium head coach
The Royal Belgian Football Association has announced Mark van Bommel as the new head coach of the Belgium national team, effective August 15, 2026. The 49-year-old former Bayern Munich and Barcelona midfielder replaces Rudi Garcia, who left after 18 months following Belgium's quarter-final exit at the 2026 World Cup to eventual champions Spain. Van Bommel, who has been out of work since leaving Belgian club Royal Antwerp at the end of the 2023-24 season, will lead the team through the 2028 European Championship. He will be assisted by Boudewijn Zenden, Maarten Martens, and Reinier Robbemond. Van Bommel previously guided Antwerp to its first league title in 66 years in his debut season. As a player, he earned 79 caps for the Netherlands and reached the 2010 World Cup final. Belgium, currently ranked eighth in FIFA's world rankings, has not progressed beyond the quarter-finals of the European Championship since 1996.
Mark van Bommel appointed new Belgium head coach through 2028 Euros
Mark van Bommel has been appointed as the new head coach of the Belgium national football team, replacing Rudi Garcia. The former Bayern Munich and Barcelona midfielder will officially take charge on August 15 and will lead the team through the 2028 European Championship. Van Bommel, who has been out of work since leaving Belgian club Royal Antwerp at the end of the 2023-24 season, previously guided Antwerp to its first league title in 66 years. He will be assisted by Boudewijn Zenden, Maarten Martens, and Reinier Robbemond. Belgium, currently ranked eighth in FIFA's world rankings, were eliminated by eventual champions Spain in the quarter-finals of the 2026 World Cup. Van Bommel, a 79-cap Netherlands international who reached the 2010 World Cup final as a player, has previous managerial experience with PSV, Wolfsburg, and the Netherlands' under-17 side. He faces the challenge of ending Belgium's streak of disappointing exits at European Championships.
Mark Van Bommel Appointed Belgium Head Coach Until Euro 2028
The Belgian Football Federation has officially appointed former Dutch international Mark Van Bommel as the new head coach of the Belgium national team, succeeding Rudi Garcia. Van Bommel, 49, signed a contract that runs until Euro 2028. He becomes only the second Dutch coach to lead the Red Devils, after Dick Advocaat. Van Bommel began his coaching career in 2018 and has managed PSV Eindhoven, VfL Wolfsburg, and Royal Antwerp. He notably led Antwerp to a historic treble in the 2022-2023 season, winning the Belgian Championship, Cup, and Super Cup. In a statement, Van Bommel expressed his honor at taking the role, praising Belgium's exceptional players and potential, and pledged hard work, honesty, and commitment to improve the team and make Belgians proud.
Mark Van Bommel Appointed Belgium Head Coach Until Euro 2028
The Belgian Football Federation has officially appointed former Dutch international Mark Van Bommel as the new head coach of the Belgium national team, succeeding Rudi Garcia. The 49-year-old former midfielder, who played for AC Milan and Bayern Munich, has signed a contract that runs until Euro 2028. Van Bommel becomes only the second Dutch coach to lead Belgium, after Dick Advocaat. Since beginning his coaching career in 2018, he has managed PSV Eindhoven, VfL Wolfsburg, and Royal Antwerp, where he achieved a historic treble in the 2022-2023 season by winning the Belgian Championship, Cup, and Super Cup. In a statement, Van Bommel expressed his honor at taking the role, praising Belgium's exceptional players and potential, and pledging hard work and commitment to make the nation proud.
Mark van Bommel Appointed New Head Coach of Belgium National Football Team
On July 24, 2026, the Royal Belgian Football Association officially announced Mark van Bommel as the new head coach of the Belgian Red Devils, effective August 15, 2026. Van Bommel, 49, signed a contract that will keep him in charge until UEFA EURO 2028. He replaces Rudi Garcia, who departed earlier. Van Bommel previously managed PSV Eindhoven, VfL Wolfsburg, and Royal Antwerp FC. In a statement, he expressed honor at the appointment, emphasizing his intent to build a disciplined, ambitious, and courageous team to compete with the best. He thanked the association for their trust and pledged hard work, honesty, and commitment to make the Belgian people proud. The announcement was made via a press release and social media post by the Belgian Red Devils.
Mark van Bommel Appointed Belgium Head Coach Until Euro 2028
The Royal Belgian Football Association has announced that 49-year-old Mark van Bommel will officially become the new head coach of the Belgian Red Devils national team on August 15, 2026. Van Bommel has signed a contract to lead the team until the end of Euro 2028. In his coaching career, he previously managed PSV Eindhoven, VfL Wolfsburg, and Royal Antwerp FC, where he led the team to a historic Belgian league and cup double in the 2022-2023 season. As a player, van Bommel played for top clubs including PSV, Barcelona, Bayern Munich, and AC Milan, and made 79 appearances for the Netherlands national team, reaching the 2010 World Cup final. To support him, the Belgian FA has added Boudewijn Zenden, Maarten Martens, and Regi Blinker as assistant coaches.
Belgium Appoints Mark van Bommel as New National Coach
Belgium has officially announced the appointment of Dutchman Mark van Bommel as its new national football coach. The former Bayern Munich and Netherlands midfielder takes over the Red Devils, who reached the quarterfinals of the 2022 World Cup. Van Bommel's primary task is to lead the team to qualification and success at the 2028 UEFA European Championship. The appointment marks a new chapter for Belgian football as they aim to rebuild and compete at the highest level under the experienced Dutch tactician.
Belgium Appoints Mark van Bommel as New Head Coach Until Euro 2028
Two days after Rudi Garcia's departure, the Belgian Football Federation has quickly moved to appoint Dutchman Mark van Bommel as the new head coach of the Red Devils. The 49-year-old former midfielder, who won 19 titles as a player including the Champions League with Barcelona and a World Cup final appearance with the Netherlands, is on the verge of signing a contract that will keep him in charge until Euro 2028. Van Bommel's coaching career includes a stint at PSV Eindhoven, a brief period at Wolfsburg, and his most successful spell at Antwerp, where he won the Belgian league, cup, and Super Cup in 2023. He has been without a club for two years, waiting for the right project. The appointment comes after Belgium's honorable elimination in the World Cup quarter-finals against Spain.
Ex-Bayern Star Mark van Bommel to Become Belgium National Coach
According to Belgian newspaper Nieuwsblad and transfer expert Fabrizio Romano, Mark van Bommel (49) will become the new head coach of the Belgian national team, succeeding Rudi Garcia. Garcia's contract was not renewed after Belgium's World Cup quarterfinal exit to eventual champions Spain. Talks between the Belgian association and van Bommel are in final stages, with agreement reportedly reached on a contract until the 2028 European Championship and the financial framework clarified. Van Bommel, the association's preferred candidate, is seen as a tactically strong leader for a new cycle. The former Bayern Munich midfielder previously coached PSV Eindhoven, VfL Wolfsburg, and Royal Antwerp, where he won a double. He has been without a club since summer 2024.
Belgium: Mark van Bommel Emerges as Candidate for Post-Rudi Garcia Era
The Belgian Football Union confirmed the end of Rudi Garcia's tenure as head coach of the Red Devils, effective July 20, 2026. Garcia, who arrived in February 2025, leaves with a largely positive record including qualification for the 2026 World Cup, a top 8 finish in the Nations League, and only two defeats in twenty matches, though a hard-fought quarterfinal loss to Spain was noted. The decision was mutual, with the Federation seeking a new cycle. According to Le Soir, executive Vincent Mannaert had decided weeks ago that Garcia no longer represented the team's future due to inconsistent playing identity and an overly experienced approach. Mark van Bommel, 49, free since leaving Antwerp in 2024, is the leading candidate due to his builder profile, top-level playing career, and success with Antwerp. A final market analysis is pending, but van Bommel's trail is the most advanced.
Rudi Garcia Not Renewed as Belgium Coach Despite Honorable Results
Rudi Garcia, the 62-year-old French coach, has been informed that his contract as head coach of the Belgian national team will not be renewed, ending on July 31. Despite achieving his goals with the Red Devils and leading them to a fairly successful World Cup campaign, including a quarterfinal loss to Spain, the Belgian federation decided not to extend his tenure. Garcia, who lives in Rome with his family, learned of the decision by phone on Monday morning. The statement described the end of collaboration as desired by both parties. Garcia, who had expressed a desire to continue coaching for four or five years in a June interview, is not dwelling on the setback and is already considering his next career move. The article notes that while his results were honorable, there was limited trust in his leadership.