Belgium’s football association has officially appointed former Netherlands captain Mark van Bommel as head coach of the Red Devils after their 2026 FIFA World Cup quarter-final defeat to Spain. The association ended its relationship with Rudy Garcia following the tournament exit. The 49-year-old Dutch coach will formally take charge on August 15 and is set to lead Belgium through the 2028 European Championship.

Van Bommel said becoming Belgium’s national team coach was a huge honour and thanked the football association for its trust. He said the squad contains many talented players with exceptional potential and that he looks forward to working with them. Sporting director Vincent Mannaert said Van Bommel’s international experience as both a player and a coach could help the current young team become more mature.

Van Bommel previously worked at PSV Eindhoven and Germany’s VfL Wolfsburg before joining Belgian club Royal Antwerp. In two seasons there, he led Antwerp to their first Belgian Pro League title in 66 years, while also winning the Belgian Cup and Belgian Super Cup for a historic treble. His staff will include Boudewijn Zenden, Maarten Martens and Reiner Robbemond as Belgium begins preparations for Euro 2028.