Shock Exit: 2026 World Cup Quarter-Finalists Belgium Lose Head Coach

The Royal Belgian Football Association (RBFA) has officially announced the departure of national team coach Rudi Garcia, following the expiration of his contract, which was not renewed. The French specialist's exit comes as a surprise, especially considering he led Belgium to the quarterfinals of the 2026 World Cup, where they were narrowly eliminated by eventual champions Spain with a 2-1 loss, conceded by a late goal.

The 62-year-old Garcia spent 18 months at the helm of the “Red Devils,” taking over from Domenico Tedesco at the beginning of 2025. During his tenure, he recorded 12 wins, 6 draws, and only 2 losses with the Belgians. Their World Cup statistics included three victories (one after extra time), two draws, and one defeat. Prior to this, Garcia managed clubs such as Saint-Étienne, Dijon, Le Mans, Lille, Roma, Marseille, Lyon, Al-Nassr, and Napoli.

“After discussions with the RBFA, we decided not to continue the excellent journey we shared over the past 18 months. I leave Belgium in League A of the Nations League and among the top eight teams in the world. I would like to thank my exceptional squad of players, Sporting Director Vincent Mannaert, and the fans who supported us throughout this World Cup. I wish Belgium all the best as they continue their generational shift, which I was proud to help initiate,” Garcia commented on the federation’s website.

“Rudi Garcia undoubtedly played a key role in the resurgence of the Belgian ‘Red Devils.’ He was appointed as national coach during a challenging period, both sportingly and financially. Thanks primarily to his dedication and experience, team cohesion was restored, and a strong result was achieved at the recent World Cup. On behalf of the federation, I would like to sincerely thank Rudi and his assistants for the past 18 months. Together with my team, I am now preparing for a new cycle, which includes the appointment of a new national coach,” stated Sporting Director Mannaert.