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The Royal Belgian Football Federation (RBFA) has confirmed that coach Rudi García’s contract will not be extended beyond the 2026 World Cup. Despite leading the Red Devils to the quarter-finals in North America, both parties have agreed to part ways.
End of an 18 month era
García and the RBFA will not renew the contract that extends until July 31. García assumed his position on February 1, 2025 as successor to Domenico Tedesco.
Under his technical leadership, the Red Devils secured their place in League A of the UEFA Nations League and qualified for the 2026 World Cup, where they embarked on a run to the quarter-finals.
The decision marks the conclusion of a mandate that lasted exactly 18 months, during which García was tasked with stabilizing a team in transition.
While the team showed flashes of brilliance during the tournament in North America, the federation decided to move in a different direction heading into the next qualifying cycle.
Reflecting on a trip to the World Cup
The Frenchman’s final match was a dramatic affair in which he felt luck was not on his team’s side following key injuries and controversial refereeing decisions.
In their 2-1 quarter-final defeat to eventual tournament winners Spain, the Red Devils were forced to cope without captain Youri Tielemans due to injury, while talisman Kevin De Bruyne also had to retire late in the match.
Reflecting on his departure, Garcia expressed his gratitude for the opportunity and the relationships he built with the players and staff.
“After discussions with the RBFA, we have decided not to extend the excellent journey we have shared over the last 18 months. It leaves Belgium in League A of the UEFA Nations League and among the top eight teams in the world,” said García.
“I would like to thank my outstanding group of players, sporting director Vincent Mannaert, and the fans who supported us during this World Cup. I wish Belgium every success as it continues the generational transition that I was proud to help initiate.”
Mannaert praises García’s impact
Vincent Mannaert, sporting director of the RBFA, spoke openly about the positive influence the French tactician had during his brief time with the national team. Mannaert noted that Garcia arrived at a time when the team needed experienced leadership to navigate a challenging landscape.
“Rudi García has undoubtedly played a key role in the recovery of the Belgian Red Devils. He was appointed national coach in a difficult sporting and financial context. Thanks above all to his commitment and experience, the team’s cohesion was restored and a good result was achieved in the last FIFA World Cup,” Mannaert noted.
Looking to the future
The departure comes at a symbolic moment for Belgian football, as several members of the famous ‘Golden Generation’ probably played their last minutes in a major tournament.
Belgium’s immediate future includes home games against heavyweights France and Italy later this year, as they continue their journey in the Nations League. Meanwhile, Mannaert confirmed that the search for García’s successor is already underway.
“I am currently preparing together with my team for a new cycle, including the appointment of a new national coach,” Mannaert added.
