Belgium name Van Bommel as new coach

Belgium has appointed former Netherlands international Mark van Bommel as their new national football coach. The Belgian football association announced on Friday that Van Bommel has signed a two-year contract, which will keep him in charge until the 2028 European Championship.

The 49-year-old succeeds Rudi Garcia, whose contract expires at the end of July and was not renewed. Garcia's tenure ended despite Belgium reaching the World Cup quarter-finals earlier this month.

Van Bommel is well-regarded in Belgium, particularly for his successful spell at Antwerp. He guided the club to a historic league and cup double in the 2022-23 season. He is praised for his tactical acumen, an area where Garcia faced criticism, and for his skills in managing players.

His coaching experience also includes stints at PSV Eindhoven and VfL Wolfsburg. As a player, Van Bommel earned 79 caps for the Netherlands, featuring in the 2010 World Cup final. He also played for prominent clubs such as Barcelona, Bayern Munich, and AC Milan.