Garcia To Step Down As Belgium Coach After World Cup Quarter-final Run
Rudi Garcia will step down as head coach of Belgium after the Royal Belgian Football Association confirmed that his contract, which expires on July 31, will not be extended.
The announcement follows Belgium’s run to the quarter-finals of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, where the Red Devils were eliminated by eventual champions Spain.
In a statement released on Monday, the RBFA confirmed the end of its partnership with the 62-year-old Frenchman after 18 months in charge.
According to Garcia, “After discussions with the Belgian Federation, we decided not to extend the excellent run of the past 18 months.”
He added, “I leave Belgium in League A of the Nations League and among the world’s top eight teams.”
Garcia also thanked those he worked with during his tenure.
He said, “I would like to thank my fantastic group of players, sporting director Vincent Mannaert, and the fans who supported us throughout the World Cup. I wish Belgium all the best as they continue the generational transition I enjoyed initiating.”
Garcia was appointed Belgium coach in early 2025 after spells managing clubs including Lille, Marseille, Lyon and AS Roma.
During his tenure, Belgium retained its place in League A of the UEFA Nations League and reached the last eight at the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
The Red Devils were beaten 2-1 by Spain in the quarter-finals, with Charles De Ketelaere scoring the only goal conceded by the eventual world champions during the tournament.
Garcia leaves Belgium with a record of “12 wins, six draws and two defeats” in 20 matches.
The RBFA has not yet named his successor.
Belgium’s next scheduled fixtures are a UEFA Nations League away match against Italy on September 25, followed by a home game against France on September 28.
