Rudi Garcia will leave his role as Belgium manager after the country’s football association decided against extending his contract, despite leading the Red Devils to the World Cup quarter-finals.
The 62-year-old was appointed in January 2025 on a deal that expires at the end of July, replacing Domenico Tedesco. Under Garcia, Belgium won 12, drew six and lost two of their 20 matches, including a run to the last eight of the 2026 World Cup where they lost 2-1 to eventual champions Spain.
“Belgium manager Rudi Garcia to leave after contract expires, despite World Cup quarter-final run.”
Belgium’s campaign was unconvincing in the group stage, winning only one of three matches, but they produced a late comeback to beat Senegal 3-2 in the round of 32. Garcia’s side then impressed with 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, which Garcia likened to an April Fools’ Day joke.
Royal Belgian FA sports director Vincent Mannaert praised Garcia’s impact: “Rudi Garcia has unquestionably played a key role in restoring the Belgian Red Devils. 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.”
Garcia, a former Roma, Lyon and Napoli manager, has not lasted more than two years in a job since leaving Marseille in 2019. His departure now leaves Belgium searching for a new head coach ahead of the next international cycle.