The Belgium national football team is experiencing backroom and squad movement this week, with the appointment of a new communications head and the transfer of a young forward. The Royal Belgian Football Association (URBSFA) confirmed the arrival of Mathieu Istace on Tuesday, while Newcastle United announced the signing of Matias Fernandez-Pardo.
Mathieu Istace, a 41-year-old sports journalist familiar to television audiences, will start his role on September 15. According to the federation's announcement, he will take up the position of head of communication and content, as well as press officer for the national team. He replaces David Steegen, whose collaboration with the URBSFA began in March 2025 and ended on August 24.
Istace has nearly two decades of experience in media, primarily with the production company Woestijnvis. He has commentated on football matches and cycling races for RTBF, RTL and Proximus Pickx. "I am delighted to seize this wonderful opportunity, which will allow me to continue combining passion and work," he stated. This appointment comes as the Belgian side sits first in its World Cup group, with 5 points from three games.
Young Belgian international Matias Fernandez-Pardo has left LOSC Lille to join Newcastle United in the Premier League. The English club confirmed the signing on Tuesday. Although the transfer fee was not officially disclosed, several British media outlets mention a figure around £51.4 million.
Fernandez-Pardo, aged 21, becomes Newcastle's eighth signing of the summer transfer window. The forward, who helped Lille secure Champions League qualification last season, signed a long-term contract. "For my own career progression, it made complete sense to come so I didn't hesitate at all," the player explained. The Belgium national team manager will be able to monitor his performances in a competitive league, as the national side has scored 6 goals and conceded 2 this season.
These developments occur during a key period for the Red Devils, who are preparing for their next important match. The team will face Italy away on September 25, an important test in the qualification race. The most recent result was a 2-1 defeat to Spain on July 10, and the recent form over the last five matches is three wins and two losses.
Fans can check the full schedule of upcoming fixtures on our fixtures page. This season's squad lineup and detailed player statistics are also available via our squad and stats pages. The Red Devils' next outing, against the Azzurri, is the immediate fixture on September 25.
