The Belgian Football Association (RBFA) has officially announced the appointment of Mark van Bommel as the new head coach of the national team, effective immediately after parting ways with Rudi Garcia. The former Dutch international will lead the team under a contract that extends until June 2028.

Mark van Bommel's hiring comes on the heels of Belgium's recent performance at the 2026 World Cup, where they reached the quarter-finals before being eliminated by Spain with a score of 1-2. This decision reflects the RBFA's desire for a fresh start after Garcia's tenure, which lasted over 1.5 years and included notable achievements.

Van Bommel, who previously managed Antwerp and led them to a domestic double, was the RBFA's top choice following Garcia's exit. His prior experience in Belgium and understanding of the local football landscape are expected to aid in elevating the national team's performance in future international competitions.

Despite facing some criticism regarding his ability to maintain stability at previous clubs like PSV and Wolfsburg, his recent successes with Antwerp have reaffirmed his managerial capabilities. The RBFA is optimistic that Van Bommel's leadership will help harness the potential of Belgium's talented squad as they prepare for upcoming tournaments.

In a related note, following Belgium's World Cup exit, goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois hinted at the possibility of stepping away from the national team, reflecting the emotional weight of the recent defeat.