Belgium and Rudi Garcia part ways after World Cup quarter-final run

Belgium have announced that head coach Rudi Garcia will leave his role, confirming on Monday that his contract will not be extended beyond its current end date of 31 July 2026. The announcement came one day after Spain lifted the World Cup trophy, having eliminated Belgium in the quarter-finals.

Garcia took charge on 1 February 2025 as the successor to Domenico Tedesco. During his 18-month tenure, he guided the Belgian Red Devils back into League A of the UEFA Nations League and secured qualification for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, where they reached the last eight before losing 2-1 to the eventual champions.

The Royal Belgian Football Association released a statement praising Garcia's role in stabilising the national team. The federation credited him with restoring team cohesion and achieving a strong World Cup result, while Garcia himself said he was proud to have helped initiate a generational transition within the squad.

Garcia's record in charge

Garcia leaves with a record of 20 matches in charge, having won 12 and lost only two. After losing his first game in March 2025, he went on an 18-match unbeaten streak that lasted until the World Cup quarter-final defeat to Spain.

• Led Belgium to League A of the UEFA Nations League
• Qualified for the 2026 FIFA World Cup
• Reached the World Cup quarter-finals, losing 2-1 to Spain
• 12 wins and only 2 defeats in 20 matches
• Six games at the World Cup, including wins over USA and Senegal

What next for Belgium

The federation has begun preparing for a new cycle, with the search for a new national coach already under way. Belgian and Dutch media have suggested former Netherlands international Mark van Bommel as a potential candidate for the vacancy.

Garcia's exit marks the end of a brief but impactful spell, leaving the Belgian side in a stronger position than when he arrived. The next appointment will be tasked with continuing the transition and building on the quarter-final showing at the World Cup.