The Belgium Football Federation parts ways with Rudi Garcia after excellent World Cup 2026 result
The Belgium Football Federation has decided to part ways with coach Rudi Garcia, despite an excellent result in the 2026 World Cup. Garcia led the Red Devils to League A in the UEFA Nations League and the quarterfinals of the 2026 World Cup.
Rudi Garcia expresses gratitude
Rudi Garcia expressed his gratitude for this opportunity and for the bonds he has formed with the players and the staff. « After discussions with the URBSFA, we have agreed not to extend the excellent course we have built over the past 18 months. I am leaving Belgium while it is evolving in League A of the UEFA Nations League and is among the eight best teams in the world », Garcia said.
Mannaert salutes Garcia's impact
Vincent Mannaert, the sports director of the RBFA, saluted the positive impact of the French tactician during his brief tenure at the head of the Red Devils. He recalled that Garcia had been recruited in a difficult sports and financial context, requiring experienced leadership. « Rudi Garcia has undoubtedly played a key role in the Red Devils' Belgian renewal. He was appointed national coach in a difficult sports and financial context. Thanks to his commitment and experience, the team's cohesion was restored and an excellent result was achieved in the last FIFA World Cup », Mannaert noted.
Turning the gaze resolutely towards the future
This departure occurs at a symbolic moment for Belgian football, as several members of the famous « golden generation » have probably played their last minutes in a major tournament. The immediate future of Belgium includes home matches against the great powers that are France and Italy later in the year, as the selection continues its course in the Nations League. Moreover, Mannaert confirmed that the search for Garcia's successor was already underway.
The last match of the Red Devils was rich in twists and turns : they were beaten 2-1 by Spain in the quarterfinals of the 2026 World Cup. Their captain, Youri Tielemans, was injured, while their star player, Kevin De Bruyne, also had to leave the field in the final minutes of the match.
Belgium finished its World Cup 2026 campaign with a win, two losses, and one draw. Their next match is scheduled for September 25, when they will face Italy in a friendly match.
The Belgium Football Federation has decided to part ways with coach Rudi Garcia, despite an excellent result in the 2026 World Cup. Garcia led the Red Devils to League A in the UEFA Nations League and the quarterfinals of the 2026 World Cup. Belgium finished its World Cup 2026 campaign with a win, two losses, and one draw. Their next match is scheduled for September 25, when they will face Italy in a friendly match.
Last result: Spain 2-1 Belgium (2026-07-10). Recent form (last 5): 3W-0D-2L (LLWWW, most recent first); lost the last 2. Next fixture: vs Italy (away, 2026-09-25).
