Belgium appoint Mark van Bommel as new head coach after Rudi Garcia exit

Belgium have officially confirmed the appointment of Mark van Bommel as their new head coach, with the former Netherlands international replacing Rudi Garcia at the helm of the national team.

Garcia departed following Belgium’s run to the 2026 FIFA World Cup quarter-finals, with both parties mutually agreeing not to extend his contract beyond the tournament.

Van Bommel quickly emerged as the leading candidate to take over, and the Royal Belgian Football Association (RBFA) has now confirmed his appointment.

Van Bommel honoured to take charge of Belgium

Speaking after his appointment, Van Bommel expressed his pride at being given the opportunity to lead one of Europe’s most talented international sides.

“It is a great honour to become head coach of Belgium. I would like to thank the Royal Belgian Football Association for their confidence in me.

“Belgium has outstanding players and enormous potential. Together with my coaching staff, we want to build a team that is disciplined, ambitious and brave enough to compete with the very best.

“Success is never guaranteed, but hard work, honesty and commitment are. We will give everything to help this team improve every day and make the Belgian people proud.

“I am looking forward to meeting the players, the staff and the supporters, and beginning this new chapter together.”

Successful Antwerp spell earned Belgium opportunity

Van Bommel returns to Belgian football after enjoying an outstanding spell in charge of Royal Antwerp, where he managed the club between 2022 and 2024.

His first season proved historic as he guided Antwerp to their first Belgian Pro League title since 1957, while also securing the Belgian Cup to complete the club’s first-ever domestic double.

The Dutchman followed that achievement by winning the Belgian Super Cup at the start of the following campaign before leading Antwerp to another Belgian Cup final.

Despite his success, Van Bommel chose not to renew his contract after his second season. Financial constraints at the club, coupled with differences of opinion with the board, ultimately brought his time at Antwerp to an end.

Since leaving the club, the 48-year-old has largely stepped away from management, spending the past two years supporting the development and rehabilitation of his son, Ruben van Bommel, who plays for PSV Eindhoven.

New coaching team confirmed

Van Bommel has signed an initial two-year contract with Belgium, keeping him in charge until the conclusion of UEFA Euro 2028.

He will be joined by a coaching staff featuring former Netherlands teammate Boudewijn Zenden, alongside ex-Belgium international and former AZ Alkmaar manager Maarten Martens.

Belgian FA delighted with appointment

Belgian FA sporting director Vincent Mannaert welcomed Van Bommel’s arrival and believes his experience at both club and international level makes him the ideal candidate to lead the Red Devils into a new era.

“I am truly delighted that Mark van Bommel and his assistants have agreed to take on this challenge.

“They are highly motivated and ambitious, and I am convinced that, with their international experience as both coaches and players, they will be perfectly placed to help our Belgian Red Devils continue to improve, achieve results and reach their full potential, both individually and as a team.”

A new era begins for the Red Devils

Van Bommel inherits a Belgium squad still packed with quality but entering a period of transition following another disappointing end to a major tournament.

With a proven record of winning trophies during his time at Royal Antwerp, the former AC Milan, Barcelona and Bayern Munich midfielder will now be tasked with guiding the Red Devils back towards competing for major international honours ahead of Euro 2028.