Rudi Garcia’s brief spell as Belgium head coach will end despite the country’s strongest World Cup campaign since 2018.

The Belgian Football Association has confirmed that Garcia’s contract, which expires on July 31, will not be extended. The 62-year-old leaves after guiding Belgium into the quarter-finals of the 2026 World Cup, where they were beaten 2-1 by eventual champions Spain.

His departure makes him the 16th national-team coach to leave his position during or immediately after the tournament, according to AS in its report on the growing list of World Cup coaching departures.

A short but eventful reign

Garcia was appointed in January 2025 as the successor to Domenico Tedesco and officially began work the following month.

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He inherited a divided squad after a difficult period in which Belgium had struggled at Euro 2024 and narrowly avoided relegation from the top tier of the Nations League.

One of Garcia’s first major decisions was to bring Thibaut Courtois back into the national-team setup following the goalkeeper’s public dispute with Tedesco.

The Frenchman subsequently kept Belgium in League A of the Nations League and secured qualification for the World Cup.

Belgium started the tournament slowly with draws against Egypt and Iran but recovered to beat New Zealand, Senegal and co-hosts the United States before losing to Spain in the last eight.

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Garcia leaves with only two defeats

Garcia was in charge for 20 matches, winning 12 and losing only twice.

After discussions with the Belgian federation, however, both parties decided against extending their agreement.

“After discussions with the RBFA, we have decided not to extend the excellent journey we have shared over the past 18 months,” Garcia said, as quoted by talkSPORT in its report on his departure.

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

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“I would like to thank my outstanding group of players, sporting director Vincent Mannaert and the supporters who backed us throughout this World Cup.

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

Belgium prepare for another reset

Sporting director Vincent Mannaert praised Garcia for restoring unity during a difficult period for Belgian football.

“Rudi Garcia unquestionably played a key role in rebuilding the Red Devils,” he said.

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

Garcia’s exit leaves Belgium searching for their fourth permanent head coach since Roberto Martínez’s six-year reign ended following the 2022 World Cup.

Former Bayern Munich and Barcelona midfielder Mark van Bommel, who won the Belgian league and cup during his time in charge of Royal Antwerp, has already been mentioned as a possible successor.

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