Rudi Garcia to leave Belgium after World Cup quarter-final revival

Belgium have parted company with head coach Rudi Garcia just months after he led the “Red Devils” to the quarter-finals of the 2026 World Cup, restoring the team’s status among the global elite.

The Belgian Football Association confirmed that Garcia’s contract, which expires on 31 July, will not be renewed, bringing an 18‐month spell to an end. The Frenchman took charge in February 2025, succeeding Domenico Tedesco at a time the federation described as “sportingly and financially difficult”.

Under his leadership, Belgium remained in League A of the UEFA Nations League and reached the last eight of the World Cup in North America, where they eliminated Senegal and the United States before narrowly losing 2-1 to eventual champions Spain.

Belgium were the only team to score against La Roja at the tournament, with Charles De Ketelaere’s goal providing that distinction.

‘I leave Belgium among the world’s top eight’

In a positive farewell message, Garcia said he departed satisfied with the team’s trajectory and his role in a generational handover.

“After consulting with the Royal Belgian Football Association, we have decided not to extend the wonderful journey we have taken together over the past 18 months. I leave Belgium in the Nations League (League A) and among the best 8 teams in the world,” he said.

“I would like to thank my fantastic players, sporting director Vincent Manhaert, and the fans who supported us throughout this tournament. I wish Belgium all the best in continuing this generational transition that I was honoured to help launch.”

Garcia’s tenure marked a shift away from the so‐called “golden generation” era, as he integrated emerging talents alongside established figures and stabilised results after a disappointing 2022 World Cup campaign.

Federation hails Garcia’s role in rebuilding squad

Sporting director Vincent Manhaert paid strong tribute to Garcia’s impact, stressing how he rebuilt cohesion and confidence in the squad.

“There is no doubt that Rudi Garcia played a pivotal role in restoring the Belgian national team to its former status. He was appointed in difficult sporting and financial circumstances. Thanks to his commitment and, above all, his experience, the team regained its cohesion and achieved an excellent result at the last World Cup,” Manhaert said.

“On behalf of the federation, I would like to extend my sincere thanks to Rudi and his assistants for their efforts over the past 18 months. I am now, with my team, preparing for a new phase, including the appointment of a new national team coach.”

The Belgian FA did not name any candidates to succeed Garcia, nor did it specify a timeline for the appointment, but the confirmation that planning has already begun suggests a swift search ahead of upcoming Nations League fixtures and the qualification cycle for future major tournaments.

From crisis to stability

Garcia arrived at a moment when questions were being asked about Belgium’s direction after their golden generation – led by stars such as Kevin De Bruyne and Romelu Lukaku – failed to translate years of high expectations into a major trophy.

His tenure, though relatively short, delivered two key outcomes: preserving Belgium’s place among Europe’s top tier in the Nations League and a credible World Cup run that ended only against the eventual champions, and by a single goal.

Those achievements have helped re-establish Belgium among the world’s leading national teams and, according to both Garcia and Manhaert, laid a foundation for the next coach to continue a smooth generational transition.

The focus now shifts to who will be tasked with building on that platform – and whether Belgium can convert revived promise into long-awaited silverware.