Agreement reached but not yet official
Mark van Bommel is set to become the new head coach of Belgium after reaching an agreement with the country’s football association.
According to Voetbal International, the former Netherlands international will sign a contract running until the summer of 2028.
Fabrizio Romano also reported that all terms had been agreed and only the formal signatures remained. As OneFootball reported while reproducing Romano’s announcement, the transfer journalist credited Belgian reporter Pieter-Jan Calcoen with initially breaking the story.
The Belgian Football Association has not yet officially announced the appointment. Until that happens, Van Bommel should be described as Belgium’s expected new coach rather than as formally appointed.
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A familiar face in Belgian football
Van Bommel returns to familiar surroundings after two successful seasons with Royal Antwerp.
He guided the club to a league and cup double during the 2022–23 campaign before adding the Belgian Super Cup. His team also qualified for the Champions League group stage the following season.
His departure in 2024 came after three trophies in two years, as described by Het Nieuwsblad, establishing Van Bommel as one of Antwerp’s most successful modern coaches.
The 49-year-old has also managed PSV Eindhoven and VfL Wolfsburg. This would be his first position as the senior head coach of a national team, although he previously worked as an assistant under Bert van Marwijk with Saudi Arabia and Australia.
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Garcia leaves after World Cup run
Van Bommel is set to replace Rudi Garcia, whose contract expires on July 31 and will not be extended.
According to FIFA, Garcia leaves after guiding Belgium to the quarter-finals of the 2026 World Cup, where the Red Devils were eliminated by eventual champions Spain.
The Frenchman took charge in 2025 and helped steady Belgium during a period of transition. His departure nevertheless gives the association an opportunity to begin a new cycle ahead of the next European Championship.
Euro 2028 will define Van Bommel’s tenure
The reported contract until June 2028 is a commitment of approximately two years, not four as initially claimed. It places Euro 2028 at the centre of Van Bommel’s first spell in international management.
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His work at Antwerp showed that he can build an intense and disciplined side capable of playing proactive football. Reproducing that approach with limited training time will be one of his main challenges with Belgium.
Van Bommel will also inherit a squad moving beyond its celebrated golden generation. His task will be to maintain Belgium’s place among Europe’s leading teams while giving a new group of players greater responsibility.
The agreement appears to be complete, but the final confirmation must now come from the Belgian Football Association.
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