Rudi Garcia to leave Belgium role after contract expires

Belgium manager Rudi Garcia will leave his role after the country's football association decided against extending his contract. Garcia led Belgium to the quarter-finals of the 2026 World Cup, where they were defeated 2-1 by eventual champions Spain.

Contract and tenure

The 62-year-old replaced Domenico Tedesco as Belgium boss in January 2025 on a contract that will expire at the end of July. Garcia's tenure lasted approximately 18 months.

Federation statement

"Rudi Garcia has unquestionably played a key role in restoring the Belgian Red Devils," said Royal Belgian FA sports director Vincent Mannaert. "He was appointed national coach in a challenging sporting and financial context. Thanks in particular to his commitment and experience, team cohesion was restored and a strong result was achieved at the most recent World Cup."

Mannaert added: "On behalf of the federation, I would like to warmly 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 coach."

World Cup campaign

Belgium failed to convince during the group stage and won just one of their three matches, but produced a remarkable late comeback to beat Senegal 3-2 in the round of 32. Garcia's side impressed in a 4-1 win over tournament co-hosts United States, a match overshadowed by Fifa's decision to suspend the suspension of US striker Folarin Balogun. Garcia likened the incident to an April Fools' Day joke.

Managerial background

The former Roma, Lyon and Napoli manager has not lasted more than two years in a job since leaving Marseille in 2019. Garcia's next move remains unclear.