Dutch coach Mark van Bommel takes charge of Belgium national team

The Royal Belgian Football Association announced on Friday that Mark van Bommel will become the new head coach of the national team. The 49-year-old Dutchman replaces Rudi Garcia, who departed after his contract was not renewed.

Garcia leaves following a quarterfinal exit at the 2026 World Cup, where Belgium suffered a narrow defeat to tournament champions Spain. The appointment of van Bommel signals a clear directive to restructure the squad ahead of the EURO 2028 championships in the UK and Ireland.

Van Bommel has agreed to a deal that runs through the 2028 tournament. He described the appointment as a great honour and thanked the association for putting its faith in him.

Highlighting the squad's capabilities, the new manager noted that Belgium possesses outstanding players and enormous potential. He stated that he and his staff intend to construct a disciplined and ambitious unit brave enough to challenge top-tier opposition.

To execute this vision, van Bommel will rely on a specialized backroom team. Former Barcelona and Liverpool winger Boudewijn Zenden joins the setup alongside ex-AZ Alkmaar midfielder Maarten Martens and experienced Dutch tactician Reinier Robbemond.

The new manager brings extensive experience from a decorated playing career across Europe's top leagues. He secured domestic titles in the Eredivisie, La Liga, the Bundesliga and Serie A during his time on the pitch.

His international pedigree includes representing the Netherlands at the highest level, culminating in a 2010 World Cup final appearance. That match ended in a 1-0 defeat to Spain, adding a layer of narrative to his new role in Belgian football.

Transitioning to management, van Bommel previously directed operations at PSV Eindhoven and the German side Wolfsburg. His most recent domestic success came at Royal Antwerp, where he guided the club to the Belgian Pro League championship during the 2022-23 campaign.