Belgium’s football federation has confirmed the appointment of Frenchman Rudi Garcia as the new head coach of the national team. This decision comes after the departure of Domenico Tedesco, who was sacked following a disappointing run at Euro 2024.
Rudi Garcia to lead Belgium’s revival
In a statement released on Friday, the Belgian football federation revealed that Garcia, a seasoned manager with extensive experience in European football, will be introduced to the media at an official press event later today.
The 60-year-old, renowned for his stints at Napoli, Lyon, and Roma, now faces the challenging task of reviving Belgium’s national team after a lacklustre performance in the Euro 2024 tournament.
Domenico Tedesco's short tenure and Belgium’s struggles
Tedesco’s tenure was marred by Belgium’s early exit from Euro 2024, compounded by underwhelming results in the Nations League. Last week, the federation parted ways with the Italian-German coach, who had taken over in February 2023, tasked with transitioning the squad after the departure of the country’s “golden generation.”
Despite his efforts, Tedesco was unable to lead the team to success, and his dismissal marks another shift in Belgium’s managerial carousel.
Rudi Garcia’s track record and previous roles
Garcia brings a wealth of experience to the role, having managed several high-profile clubs across Europe. His recent managerial stint in 2023 at Napoli, however, was short-lived after a challenging season following the club's Scudetto victory.
Previously, Garcia earned recognition for his work with Lille, where he managed the team from 2008 to 2013. His vast experience in both domestic and international football will be crucial as he attempts to stabilize Belgium’s squad ahead of the 2026 World Cup.
Belgium's journey toward the 2026 World Cup kicks off in June with an away match against North Macedonia. Garcia will be expected to oversee the team’s progress as they seek to qualify for the tournament, while also preparing for a crucial relegation play-off against Ukraine in March.
As Belgium enters a new era under Garcia, all eyes will be on how the Frenchman can reshape the team and reinvigorate their prospects on the international stage.