Belgian FA seeks replacement for Rudi Garcia as national coach

After Belgium's quarter‑final loss to Spain at the World Cup, the Royal Belgian Football Association (KBVB) is reviewing Rudi Garcia's future. His contract expires on 21 July and the federation faces pressure from former internationals and analysts to appoint a new coach.

Several voices – including former players Silvio Proto, Anthony Vanden Borre and Steven Defour – have called for a change, citing the lack of a clear playing style and recent tactical choices. They suggest Belgian or affordable foreign options such as Mark van Bommel, Hein Vanhaezebrouck, Philippe Clement, or Simone Inzaghi, while joking about high‑profile names like Pep Guardiola.

KBVB CEO Vincent Mannaert will assess Garcia’s performance and the budgetary limits before deciding whether to extend Garcia through Euro 2028 or move on. Former goalkeeper Stijn Stijnen also named van Bommel as a likely successor. Meanwhile Dutch analyst Johan Boskamp defended Garcia, arguing the quarter‑final exit does not justify dismissal.

The debate highlights Belgium’s need for a cost‑effective coach who can develop young talent and deliver consistent results after a mixed World Cup campaign that yielded 12 wins, six draws and two defeats under Garcia.