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Rudi Garcia has stepped down as Belgium coach after guiding the Red Devils to the World Cup quarter-finals, insisting eventual champions Spain were the only team that stopped them.
Rudi Garcia (AFP)
Rudi Garcia has stepped down as Belgium head coach following the Red Devils’ FIFA World Cup 2026 campaign, with the Belgian Football Association (RBFA) confirming his departure on Monday.
The 62-year-old leaves after 18 months in charge, having guided Belgium to the World Cup quarter-finals before they were eliminated by eventual champions Spain.
Garcia took over in January 2025 following the dismissal of Domenico Tedesco, inheriting a squad balancing the final years of its famed “Golden Generation” with the emergence of a new crop of talent.
World Cup Run Ends Against Champions
Belgium impressed throughout the tournament, finishing top of their group before producing a convincing 4-1 victory over co-hosts the United States in the Round of 16.
Their journey ended in the quarter-finals against Spain, who went on to lift the trophy after conceding just one goal throughout the tournament.
Reflecting on his tenure, Garcia believed Belgium’s only setback came against the eventual world champions.
“I leave Belgium in League A of the Nations League and among the eight best teams in the world,” Garcia wrote on Instagram.
“Only Spain, the new world champions, against whom we were the only team to score a goal in eight matches, prevented us from going even further in the most prestigious of competitions.”
Guiding Belgium Through Transition
Garcia retained the experienced spine of Kevin De Bruyne, Romelu Lukaku and Thibaut Courtois while gradually introducing younger players such as Jeremy Doku, Charles De Ketelaere and Nathan Ngoy as Belgium began a long-awaited generational transition.
RBFA sporting director Vincent Mannaert praised the Frenchman for stabilising the national team during a challenging period.
“Rudi Garcia has undoubtedly contributed to the revival of the Red Devils,” Mannaert said.
“He was appointed national coach in a difficult sporting and financial context. Thanks in particular to his commitment and experience, team cohesion was restored and an excellent result was achieved at the last World Cup.”
Garcia also helped Belgium retain their place in UEFA Nations League A during his tenure.
Ready For The Next Challenge
Before taking over Belgium, Garcia built a long managerial career across Europe with Lille, Roma, Marseille and Napoli, though his spell in Naples lasted only five months.
Now available once again, the Frenchman says he is ready for his next challenge.
“I’m ready once again to pursue new ambitions with a national team or at club level,” Garcia said.
“I wish Belgium all the best as they continue the generational change that I took pleasure in helping to start.”
(with AFP inputs)
About the Author
After training in the field of broadcast media, Siddarth, as a sub-editor for News18 Sports, currently dabbles in putting together stories, from across a plethora of sports, onto a digital canvas. His…Read More
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