Belgium has appointed Mark van Bommel as their new head coach, signing the former Netherlands international to a contract extending through the UEFA European Championship in 2028. The 49-year-old succeeds Rudi Garcia, whose contract was not renewed following Belgium’s run to the quarter-finals of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, where they were narrowly eliminated by Spain, the eventual champions.

Van Bommel, who will officially begin his tenure on August 15, brings extensive managerial and playing experience to the role. He has previously managed clubs including PSV Eindhoven, Wolfsburg, and Antwerp. During his time with Antwerp, the Dutch coach notably led the team to a league and cup double in the 2022-23 season, earning recognition for his leadership capabilities. As a player, Van Bommel featured prominently for the Netherlands national team, including appearances in the 2010 World Cup final, where the Dutch were defeated 1-0 by Spain.

Supporting Van Bommel will be a coaching team that includes Boudewijn Zenden, Maarten Martens, and Reinier Robbemond. Zenden, a former midfielder with experience at clubs such as Middlesbrough, Chelsea, and Liverpool, is expected to bring valuable insight and expertise to the Belgian setup.

In his first public comments following his appointment, Van Bommel emphasized his vision for the national team, expressing a desire to build a squad characterized by discipline, ambition, and the bravery required to compete at the highest level. His approach signals an intent to maintain Belgium’s status as a competitive force in international football as they prepare for upcoming qualification campaigns and the EURO 2028 tournament.

The decision to appoint Van Bommel marks a new chapter for Belgium’s national team after Garcia’s tenure, which was marked by a strong showing at the World Cup but ultimately fell short of tournament victory. The Belgian Football Association has entrusted Van Bommel with guiding the squad through the next development phase as they aim to build on previous successes and foster a team capable of contending for major international honors.