Rudi Garcia has resigned as Belgium coach following their World Cup quarter-final exit

Rudi Garcia will leave his role as Belgium head coach after the Royal Belgian Football Association (RBFA) confirmed on Monday that his contract will not be renewed following the team’s progress to the 2026 World Cup quarter-finals.

Appointed to succeed Domenico Tedesco in February 2025, the 62-year-old Frenchman will step down when his contract expires on July 31, ending an 18-month stint with the Red Devils.

Garcia led Belgium to the quarter-finals of the World Cup, where they were defeated 2:1 by the later champions of Spain. It was Belgium’s best performance at a major tournament since reaching the semi-finals of the 2018 World Cup, although their performances in the United States, Canada and Mexico were often unconvincing.

In a statement released by the Belgian federation, Garcia reflected on his time in charge and the work done during the transition period.

“Following discussions with the RBFA, we have decided not to extend the great journey we have 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 excellent group of players, sporting director Vincent Mannaert and the fans who have supported us throughout this World Cup. I wish Belgium the best of luck as they continue the generational transformation that I have been proud of.”

Garcia took over at a difficult time for Belgian football following Tedesco’s departure. He cemented their place in the UEFA Nations League A before guiding them through World Cup qualification and into the round of 16 of the tournament.

The RBFA credited the former Roma, Marseille and Napoli manager with restoring stability to the national team. “Rudi Garcia has undoubtedly played a key role in the revival of the Belgian Red Devils,” said sporting director Vincent Mannaert.

“He was appointed as national team coach in a challenging sporting and financial context. It was mainly thanks to his commitment and experience that it was possible to restore team cohesion and achieve a strong result at the last 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 currently preparing for a new cycle, including the appointment of a new national team coach.”

Belgium has not named Garcia’s successor. The new coach inherits a squad in the midst of a generational change as the Red Devils begin to prepare for their next competition cycle.

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Issued by:

Saurabh Kumar

Published on:

20 Jul 2026 19:33 IST