Belgium are poised to hand the national team job to former Netherlands midfielder Mark van Bommel, following the departure of French coach Rudi Garcia after the 2026 World Cup.
The Belgian Football Association confirmed that Garcia has left his role after the Red Devils were knocked out of the tournament in the quarter-finals. Belgium went out 2-1 to Spain, who went on to lift the trophy.
According to Italian journalist Fabrizio Romano, the Belgian FA has reached a full agreement with Van Bommel, who is ready to take charge of the national side through to June 2028.
Writing on his official X account, Romano said: “تم الاتفاق بين الاتحاد البلجيكي وفان بوميل على الاستمرار حتى يونيو/حزيران 2028، والمدرب جاهز ليحل محل رودي جارسيا” – which translates as confirmation that a deal is in place for Van Bommel to succeed Garcia and remain in post for the next four years.
The Belgian FA has not yet issued a formal statement naming Van Bommel, but his appointment is widely expected to be announced imminently.
Post-World Cup reset for the ‘Golden Generation’
Belgium’s exit at the last-eight stage in 2026 continued a pattern of near-misses for a group of players who have long been described as the country’s “Golden Generation”.
Despite boasting some of Europe’s leading talents over the past decade, Belgium have failed to translate their high FIFA rankings into major silverware, reaching the 2018 World Cup semi-finals and the Euro 2020 quarter-finals but falling short of a title.
Garcia, who took over with the brief of revitalising an ageing core while integrating younger players, could not guide Belgium beyond the quarter-final hurdle at the 2026 tournament.
His departure sets the stage for a significant reset, with Van Bommel now expected to oversee a period of transition as some senior figures approach the final years of their international careers.
Van Bommel’s limited but high-profile coaching track record
Van Bommel, 47, is best known from his playing days as a combative and tactically disciplined midfielder for Barcelona, Bayern Munich and PSV Eindhoven, as well as a mainstay of the Dutch national team.
However, his managerial experience at club level remains relatively brief.
The former Netherlands international has taken charge of only three teams so far: PSV Eindhoven in his homeland, Bundesliga side Wolfsburg in Germany and Belgian club Royal Antwerp.
At each of those clubs, Van Bommel was tasked with implementing a structured style built on balance between attack and defence, pressing from the front and disciplined organisation off the ball – qualities the Belgian FA is understood to value as it looks to stabilise performances after another disappointing major tournament.
Contract to run to Euro 2028 cycle
The agreement reported by Romano would see Van Bommel’s contract run until June 2028, taking in Belgium’s qualification campaign for the next European Championship and, potentially, the tournament itself.
Such a timeframe suggests the Belgian FA is seeking continuity and a long-term vision rather than a short-term fix following the 2026 World Cup.
With a core of established stars still involved and a new wave of young players emerging from domestic clubs and top European leagues, Van Bommel’s main challenge will be to blend experience and youth into a coherent and competitive side.
If confirmed, his appointment will also mark a return to Belgium for Van Bommel after his spell in charge of Royal Antwerp, giving him prior knowledge of the local football culture and player pool that he will now be expected to lead at international level.
