Van Bommel appointed Belgium head coach until Euro 2028

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Belgium have reached an agreement to appoint former Netherlands captain Mark van Bommel as the new head coach of the national team, with the Dutchman set to replace Rudi Garcia following the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

According to transfer expert Fabrizio Romano, the 49-year-old tactician has agreed to a deal that will keep him in charge of the Red Devils until June 2028. While contracts are yet to be signed, all parties have reached a full agreement, with an official announcement expected once the final paperwork is completed.

Romano confirmed the development in a post on X, writing: “Mark van Bommel as new Belgium head coach, here we go! Deal in place until June 2028 for van Bommel, ready to replace Rudi Garcia”.

Van Bommel takes on his first international managerial role after a distinguished playing career and several spells in club management. The former Netherlands international, who played for PSV Eindhoven, Barcelona, Bayern Munich, and AC Milan, and was a runner-up at the 2010 World Cup, has previously managed PSV Eindhoven, Bundesliga side VfL Wolfsburg, and Royal Antwerp.

It was at Royal Antwerp where Van Bommel delivered one of the greatest achievements in the club’s history, leading them to the Belgian Pro League title and the Belgian Cup in 2023 to complete a memorable domestic double. He left the Belgian club in 2024 and has been without a managerial role since.

Van Bommel succeeds Rudi Garcia, whose tenure came to an end after Belgium’s quarter-final exit at the 2026 FIFA World Cup. The Frenchman guided the Red Devils in 20 matches, recording 12 victories, six draws, and just two defeats since taking charge in January 2025. Belgium were eliminated in the quarter-finals by Spain, who went on to win the tournament.

Belgian Football Association technical director Vincent Mannaert played a key role in the recruitment process, consulting extensively before identifying Van Bommel as the preferred candidate. Former Red Devils goalkeeper Simon Mignolet, now serving as Football Manager at the federation, also contributed to the selection process.

Although Van Bommel does not speak French, the language barrier is not expected to pose a significant obstacle. The Dutchman is understood to be committed to learning the language.

His primary objective will be to lead the Red Devils to UEFA Euro 2028, to be hosted in the United Kingdom from 9 June to 9 July. Before that, he faces a challenging Nations League campaign with fixtures against France, Italy, and Turkey. His first match in charge is scheduled for 25 September against Italy.

Van Bommel inherits one of Europe’s most gifted squads, featuring a blend of experienced internationals and emerging stars, as Belgium look to end their long wait for major international silverware. The Red Devils have never won either the FIFA World Cup or the UEFA European Championship, with their only major international honour remaining the Olympic gold medal secured in 1920.