Belgium have named former Netherlands captain Mark van Bommel as their new head coach on a deal that runs through Euro 2028. The 49-year-old replaces Rudi Garcia, who left following Belgium’s quarter-final exit to eventual world champions Spain at the 2026 World Cup. Van Bommel will officially start on 15 August.
Van Bommel arrives after a successful two-year stint at Royal Antwerp, where he won the Belgian league, the Belgian Cup and the Belgian Super Cup. He said taking charge of Belgium is a great honor and spoke of the squad’s quality and potential, adding that he and his staff aim to build a disciplined, ambitious team ready to challenge the best.
Belgian FA sporting director Vincent Mannaert highlighted Van Bommel’s international pedigree as both player and coach, expressing confidence it will help the Red Devils progress and deliver results. Van Bommel’s staff will include Boudewijn Zenden, Maarten Martens and Reinier Robbemond, with early assignments in the Nations League against Italy, France and Turkey in September and October.