Rudi Garcia is not continuing as Belgium coach after reaching World Cup quarterfinals
Rudi Garcia will step down as the coach of the Belgian national soccer team after failing to reach a contract extension agreement. The association credited him with restoring team cohesion during his 18-month tenure following the World Cup.
Why it matters
This marks a significant leadership change for a major international football team during a period of generational transition.
Rudi Garcia is not continuing as Belgium coach after failing to reach an agreement with the country’s soccer federation on a contract extension.
The Royal Belgian Football Association said Monday (July 20, 2026) that it will not renew Garcia’s deal beyond the end of this month, and that it is looking for a successor to the French coach who led the Belgian team to the World Cup quarterfinals, where it was beaten by eventual champion Spain.
“Garcia has unquestionably played a key role in restoring the Belgian Red Devils,” Belgium sports director Vincent Mannaert said. “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 FIFA World Cup.”
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