The Belgium national men’s football team is set to part ways with head coach Rudi Garcia, ending their 19-month association. Garcia, a 62-year-old French professional football manager, took over as Belgium’s national team manager until the end of the FIFA World Cup 2026. Following Belgium’s exit in the quarterfinals to Spain, the Royal Belgian Football Association (RBFA) and Garcia decided not to extend the contract.
The RBFA announced that they will not extend Garcia’s contract beyond July 31, 2026. Garcia, who succeeded Domenico Tedesco in February 2025, led the Belgian Red Devils to secure a spot in League A of the UEFA Nations League and qualify for the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Despite being eliminated in the quarterfinals by Spain, who eventually won the World Cup, Garcia’s tenure was praised for restoring team cohesion and achieving strong results.
Vincent Mannaert, the Sports Director of RBFA, acknowledged Garcia’s significant role in revitalizing the Belgian Red Devils. Mannaert expressed gratitude to Garcia and his team for their efforts over the past 18 months. Looking ahead, the RBFA is preparing for a new cycle, including the selection of a new national coach to lead the team.
Rudi Garcia described the decision to part ways as mutual and expressed satisfaction with his time as Belgium’s coach. He highlighted the team’s achievements, including securing a place in League A of the UEFA Nations League and ranking among the top eight teams globally. Garcia thanked his players, Sports Director Vincent Mannaert, and the fans for their support during his tenure, wishing Belgium success in their future endeavors.
In a career spanning several clubs, Garcia began his managerial journey in 1995 and has since led various teams, including Lille, Roma, Marseille, Lyon, and Napoli. His coaching experience includes winning titles in the Coupe de France and leading teams to league victories.
