Belgium Name Van Bommel as New Head Coach After World Cup Exit
Belgium have appointed former Netherlands international Mark van Bommel as their new head coach following their 2026 World Cup campaign. The 49-year-old replaces Rudi Garcia and has agreed a contract running through Euro 2028.
Van Bommel Takes Charge
The Royal Belgian Football Association confirmed Van Bommel's appointment on Friday. He will officially begin his role on August 15, succeeding Garcia after the Frenchman's contract was not renewed. Garcia led Belgium to the World Cup quarter-finals before their campaign ended against eventual champions Spain. Mikel Merino scored an 88th-minute winner as Spain claimed a 2-1 victory and advanced to the semi-finals.
Belgium had previously topped Group G with five points. They then defeated Senegal and the United States to reach the last eight before their narrow loss to Spain. Garcia's departure came after 20 matches in charge. He recorded 12 wins, six draws and two defeats, giving him a 60 percent win rate during his time with the Red Devils.
Antwerp Success Boosted Van Bommel
Van Bommel returns to management after leaving Royal Antwerp in 2024. His spell with the Belgian club remains the most successful period of his coaching career. He guided Antwerp to the Belgian Pro League title and Belgian Cup during the 2022-23 season. The club also won the Belgian Super Cup under his leadership.
Antwerp's league triumph was particularly significant, ending a 66-year wait for the top-flight title. Van Bommel also began that championship campaign with nine consecutive victories. Across 107 matches in charge, he recorded 57 wins, 21 draws and 29 defeats. His overall record gave him a 51.4% win rate and an average of 1.79 points per game.
The Belgium position will be Van Bommel's fourth managerial role. He previously coached PSV Eindhoven and VfL Wolfsburg before taking charge at Antwerp.
International Experience
Van Bommel brings extensive experience from both his playing and coaching careers. As a midfielder, he earned 79 Netherlands caps and helped his country reach the 2010 World Cup final. He also played for several major European clubs, including Barcelona, Bayern Munich, AC Milan and PSV Eindhoven. His experience at the highest level will be valuable as Belgium look to challenge Europe's leading national teams.
The new head coach will work alongside Boudewijn Zenden, Maarten Martens and Reinier Robbemond. The Belgian FA has confirmed all three as members of his coaching staff. Belgian Football Association sporting director Vincent Mannaert praised the team's new coaching setup. He highlighted their international experience and belief that they can help Belgium reach its potential.
A New Challenge
Van Bommel said he was honoured to take charge of Belgium and praised the quality available within the squad. He also outlined his desire to build a disciplined, ambitious team capable of competing against the world's best.
The appointment comes as Belgium seek greater consistency after another managerial change. Van Bommel becomes the team's latest coach following Garcia's departure after the World Cup. His immediate task will involve preparing Belgium for a demanding Nations League schedule. The Red Devils face Italy, France and Turkey during the expanded September and October international windows.
What's Next?
Van Bommel's first match will come against Italy in Rome on September 25. Belgium then host France in Brussels three days later. The Red Devils will face Turkey in Liege on October 2. They then travel to Paris to meet France again on October 5.
The demanding opening schedule will provide an early test of Van Bommel's methods. Belgium will hope his successful domestic experience and international background can help unlock their squad's potential.