Belgium coach Rudi Garcia to depart after 18 months

Rudi Garcia, the French coach who led Belgium to the quarterfinals of the 2026 World Cup, will depart his role at the end of July, the Belgian Royal Football Federation announced Monday. Garcia's tenure, which began in February 2025, saw the Red Devils reach the World Cup's final eight, where they were narrowly defeated 2-1 by eventual champions Spain.

"After conversations with the RBFA, we have decided not to extend the excellent journey of these past 18 months," Garcia stated in a press release. The 62-year-old former coach of Lille, Roma, Marseille, and Lyon had succeeded Domenico Tedesco and met his primary objectives, maintaining Belgium's position in League A of the Nations League and securing World Cup qualification.

Under Garcia's guidance, the team embarked on an impressive 18-match unbeaten streak, with losses only in his first and last games. Belgium achieved significant victories, including a dramatic comeback against Senegal in the round of 16 (3-2 after extra time, having trailed 0-2 in the 86th minute) and a decisive 4-1 win over the United States in the knockout stage. The match against the US was notably marked by a controversial FIFA decision to lift a sanction on American attacker Folarin Balogun.

In the quarterfinal clash against Spain, Belgium was tied until the final minutes when Mikel Merino scored in the 88th minute, securing the win for Spain. Notably, the goal scored by Belgium was the only one Spain conceded throughout the entire tournament. Garcia's departure marks the end of a period that, despite its ultimate outcome, saw the team achieve notable successes and maintain a strong competitive spirit.

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After conversations with the RBFA, we have decided not to extend the excellent journey of these past 18 months.