Garcia to step down as Belgium coach after World Cup quarter-final run

Rudi Garcia is stepping down as Belgium's head coach after the Royal Belgian Football Association confirmed his contract will not be extended beyond July 31. The decision follows the Red Devils' run to the quarter-finals of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, where they were eliminated by eventual champions Spain.

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After discussions with the Belgian Federation, we decided not to extend the excellent run of the past 18 months.

Garcia, 62, spent 18 months in charge of the Belgian national team. In a statement, he expressed satisfaction with the partnership, noting that he leaves Belgium in League A of the Nations League and among the world's top eight teams. He also highlighted his role in initiating a generational transition for the squad.

During Garcia's tenure, Belgium maintained its position in League A of the UEFA Nations League and reached the World Cup quarter-finals. They lost 2-1 to Spain in that match, with Charles De Ketelaere scoring Belgium's only goal against the tournament winners. Garcia's record with the team stands at 12 wins, six draws, and two defeats in 20 matches.

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I leave Belgium in League A of the Nations League and among the world's top eight teams.

The RBFA has not yet announced a successor. Belgium's next fixtures are UEFA Nations League matches against Italy and France in late September.

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I would like to thank my fantastic group of players, sporting director Vincent Mannaert, and the fans who supported us throughout the World Cup. I wish Belgium all the best as they continue the generational transition I enjoyed initiating.