Rudi Garcia officially leaves the Belgian national team

Rudi Garcia’s journey at the helm of the Red Devils has come to an end. The Royal Belgian Football Association (RBFA) has announced that the French manager’s contract, set to expire on July 31, 2026, will not be renewed. Both parties have mutually agreed to part ways after eighteen months of collaboration.

Appointed in January 2025, Rudi Garcia departs the Belgian national team after guiding the Red Devils to the quarterfinals of the 2026 World Cup, where they were knocked out by reigning champions Spain. During his tenure, he also helped Belgium secure their place in League A of the Nations League.

A farewell message filled with gratitude

Sporting director Vincent Mannaert praised the work accomplished by the French coach:

“He played a key role in the revival of Belgian football.”

In his farewell message, Rudi Garcia expressed his gratitude to everyone involved in this journey:

“After discussions with the RBFA, we have decided not to extend the excellent adventure we have shared over the past 18 months. I leave Belgium in UEFA Nations League A and among the world’s top eight teams. I would like to thank my exceptional group of players, sporting director Vincent Mannaert, and the fans who supported us throughout this World Cup. I wish Belgium every success in continuing the generational transition that I was proud to help initiate.”

The Belgian federation will now have to search for a new head coach to continue the team’s renewal ahead of upcoming international competitions.

Nouya M'toama

Editorfr, en

Versatile journalist specializing in sports and political news, with extensive experience across radio, print and digital media platforms.