The Royal Belgian Football Association (RBFA) has confirmed the appointment of 49-year-old Mark van Bommel as the new head coach of the Belgium national team. The former Dutch international, who previously managed PSV Eindhoven, Wolfsburg, and Antwerp, has signed a contract that will see him lead the Red Devils through the conclusion of UEFA EURO 2028.
Van Bommel succeeds Frenchman Rudi Garcia, who stepped down from the role after guiding Belgium to the World Cup quarter-finals. While Garcia’s exit was met with confusion by many fans, reports indicate that Belgian football officials were specifically looking to appoint a younger coach to lead the squad. Technical director Vincent Mannaert expressed his delight at the appointment, noting that the coaching staff’s international experience as both players and coaches makes them ideal candidates to help the team improve and reach its full potential.
Reflecting on his new role, Van Bommel described the appointment as a great honour. He acknowledged the immense talent within the Belgian squad, noting that the team is a mix of veteran players from the country's golden generation and emerging younger talent. Van Bommel emphasized his commitment to building a side that is disciplined, ambitious, and brave enough to compete at the highest level. He stated that while success is never guaranteed, his approach will be rooted in hard work, honesty, and commitment.
Van Bommel has been without a managerial position since June 2024, when he departed from the Belgian top-flight club Antwerp, a team he had led to their first league title in 66 years. His tenure in Belgium begins immediately, with his first major challenge consisting of three upcoming Nations League matches, starting with a game against Italy on September 25.
The previous regime under Garcia was reportedly marked by internal friction, including disagreements between the coach, players, and technical director Vincent Mannaert regarding group-stage performances. Despite these challenges, Belgium’s World Cup run saw them improve throughout the tournament before they were eventually eliminated in a 2-1 loss to the eventual champions, Spain. Notably, Belgium remains the only team to have successfully breached the Spanish defense during that competition.
Van Bommel, who was an uncompromising midfielder and key member of the robust Netherlands side that lost to Spain in the 2010 World Cup final, said it was a "great honour" to have been appointed.
After hanging up his boots in 2013, Van Bommel has cut his teeth as coach of PSV Eindhoven, Wolfsburg and Antwerp.
