World Cup manager exit announced day after final as statement released

Belgium have announced that manager Rudi Garcia will not be continuing as manager following the World Cup.

Garcia leaves his post after leading the nation to the quarter-finals of the tournament, where they lost 2-1 to Spain.

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In a statement released on Monday, the day after La Roja lifted the trophy, the Belgian FA wrote: “Rudi Garcia and the RBFA will not extend the contract that runs until 31 July 2026.

“Rudi Garcia took up his role on 1 February 2025 as the successor to Domenico Tedesco. Under his technical leadership, the Belgian Red Devils secured their place in League A of the UEFA Nations League and qualified for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

“At the World Cup, the Belgian Red Devils were eliminated in the quarter-finals by Spain, who went on to become world champions.”

Garcia himself said: “After discussions with the RBFA, we have decided not to extend the excellent journey we have shared over the past 18 months.

“I leave Belgium in League A of the UEFA Nations League and among the top eight teams in the world.

“I would like to thank my outstanding group of players, Sports Director Vincent Mannaert, and the fans who supported us throughout this World Cup.

“I wish Belgium every success as they continue the generational transition that I was proud to help initiate.”

Meanwhile, Sports Director Mannaert added: “Rudi Garcia has unquestionably played a key role in restoring the Belgian Red Devils.

“He was appointed national coach in a challenging sporting and financial context. Thanks in particular to his commitment and experience, team cohesion was restored and a strong result was achieved at the most recent FIFA World Cup.

“On behalf of the federation, I would like to warmly thank Rudi and his assistants for the past 18 months. Together with my team, I am currently preparing for a new cycle, including the appointment of a new national coach.”

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Garcia’s Belgium tenure

Garcia took charge of 20 games as Belgium manager in total, including six at the World Cup this summer.

He won 12 of his 20 matches, losing just twice altogether.

The 62-year-old lost his first game in charge in March 2025 but then went on an 18-match streak undefeated.

The defeat to Spain at the World Cup was just his second loss as manager – and that is now his last outing.

At the tournament, Belgium drew with Egypt and Iran as they got off to a poor start, before going on to thrash New Zealand.

Kevin De Bruyne and co. then beat Senegal in the last 32 before they embarrassed co-hosts USA with a 4-1 win in the last 16.

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Who next for Belgium?

According to reports in Belgium and the Netherlands, Mark van Bommel is a contender to replace Garcia as manager.

Van Bommel has not had a role since leaving Belgian side Royal Antwerp in June 2024.

In that post, he took charge of 107 matches, winning 57 of them and lifting the league title in the 2022/23 campaign.

He also won the Belgian Cup with the club that season, claiming the Belgian Super Cup the following campaign.

The former Barcelona and Bayern Munich midfielder has also managed Wolfsburg and PSV in his career.

Van Bommel also revealed on talkSPORT that he held some talks with Rangers in September 2025.