Rudi Garcia Resigns as Belgium Head Coach
The Royal Belgian Football Association has confirmed that head coach Rudi Garcia will leave his position at the end of the month after deciding not to renew his contract.
The announcement came shortly after Belgium’s campaign at the 2026 FIFA World Cup ended in the quarter‑finals, where the Red Devils were defeated by eventual champions Spain.
Although Belgium reached the last eight of the tournament, questions had arisen about some of the team’s performances, leading to speculation over Garcia’s future.
The 62‑year‑old Frenchman was appointed Belgium’s head coach during a major rebuilding phase, tasked with restoring confidence and guiding a new generation of players after the gradual exit of the celebrated “golden generation.”
Under his leadership, Belgium qualified for the 2026 World Cup and delivered encouraging performances before their run ended against Spain, who went on to lift the trophy.
In a statement, Belgian federation Sports Director Vincent Mannaert praised Garcia for restoring stability and unity within the national team.
“Rudi Garcia has unquestionably played a key role in restoring the Belgian Red Devils,” Mannaert said, noting that the coach accepted the role during one of the most difficult periods in the team’s recent history and worked tirelessly to rebuild belief among the players.
Mannaert added that, thanks to Garcia’s commitment and experience, team cohesion was restored and a strong result was achieved at the most recent World Cup.
The federation also thanked Garcia and his coaching staff for their dedication over the past 18 months and confirmed that discussions are already underway to appoint a new head coach who will lead Belgium into the next international cycle, including the European Championship qualifiers.
Garcia’s departure marks the end of an 18‑month spell that helped reshape the Red Devils after the decline of their golden generation.
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