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Belgium have appointed former Netherlands captain Mark van Bommel as the new head coach of the national team, handing him a contract that will keep him in charge through to the 2028 European Championship.
The 49-year-old replaces Rudi Garcia, who left the position after Belgium were eliminated in the quarter finals of the 2026 FIFA World Cup by eventual champions Spain. Van Bommel is scheduled to officially begin his new role on August 15.
The Belgian Football Association has turned to the former midfielder as it looks to guide the Red Devils into a new era and restore the nation's status among Europe's leading football powers.
Van Bommel arrives after a successful coaching spell with Royal Antwerp, where he enjoyed one of the most successful periods in the club's recent history. During his two seasons in charge, he led Antwerp to the Belgian Pro League title while also lifting the Belgian Cup and the Belgian Super Cup.
Speaking after his appointment was confirmed, Van Bommel described the opportunity to manage Belgium as a tremendous privilege and expressed his determination to help the team compete at the highest level.
"It is a great honour to become head coach of Belgium," he said.
The Dutchman added that Belgium possesses exceptional talent and enormous potential. He believes that, together with his coaching staff, the team can develop into a disciplined, ambitious and fearless side capable of challenging the world's best nations.
Belgian Football Association sporting director Vincent Mannaert welcomed Van Bommel's arrival, highlighting the experience he brings from both his playing and coaching careers. Mannaert said the federation believes Van Bommel has the qualities needed to help Belgium continue progressing while delivering positive results and maximizing the squad's potential.
Van Bommel enjoyed a distinguished playing career that included spells with PSV Eindhoven, Barcelona, Bayern Munich and AC Milan. He also captained the Netherlands national team and represented his country at major international tournaments, giving him valuable experience at the highest level of the game.
He will be supported by an experienced coaching team consisting of Boudewijn Zenden, Maarten Martens and Reinier Robbemond.
The new coaching staff will not have long to settle into their roles, with Belgium facing a demanding schedule shortly after Van Bommel officially takes charge. The Red Devils are set to play Nations League matches against Italy, France and Turkey across September and October.
Those fixtures will provide Van Bommel with his first opportunity to implement his ideas and begin preparing Belgium for the qualification campaign leading to UEFA Euro 2028, where expectations will once again be high for one of Europe's most talented national teams.
