Belgium coach Rudi Garcia resigns after World Cup exit

Rudi Garcia has stepped down as head coach of the Belgium men's national football team after the Royal Belgian Football Association (RBFA) announced his contract will not be extended beyond its scheduled end date of July 31, 2026. The decision follows Belgium's elimination from the FIFA World Cup quarterfinals by the eventual tournament winners, Spain.

The 62-year-old French manager, whose first international coaching role was with Belgium, was appointed on February 1, 2025. He succeeded Domenico Tedesco. During his tenure, Garcia secured Belgium's place in League A of the UEFA Nations League and successfully guided the team through qualification for the 2026 World Cup. His final match in charge was the quarterfinal loss in the global tournament.

In a statement, the RBFA thanked Garcia for his dedication, professionalism, and commitment over the past 18 months. The association's sporting director, Vincent Mannaert, credited Garcia with contributing to the revival of the team, stating he was appointed during a difficult sporting and financial context and helped restore team cohesion. Belgium's World Cup campaign included finishing top of their group and a 4-1 victory over...