Former Netherlands Star Mark van Bommel Becomes New Belgium Coach

• Mark van Bommel has agreed to become Belgium’s new head coach on a contract running until 2028.

•  The former Netherlands midfielder replaces Rudi Garcia following Belgium’s World Cup exit.

• Van Bommel takes charge after successful spells with Royal Antwerp, PSV Eindhoven, and Wolfsburg.

July 22 , (THEWILL) — Mark van Bommel has agreed to become the new head coach of Belgium, with the former Netherlands international set to lead the Red Devils through to the 2028 UEFA European Championship.

An agreement has been reached between Van Bommel and the Belgian Football Association, with only the formal signing of contracts remaining before the appointment is officially announced.

The 49-year-old succeeds Rudi Garcia, whose tenure came to an end after Belgium’s quarter-final exit at the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

Garcia leaves after guiding the national team in 20 matches, recording 12 victories, six draws, and just two defeats since taking charge in January 2025.

Belgium identified Van Bommel as its preferred candidate soon after Garcia’s departure, and negotiations progressed quickly before both parties reached an agreement.

Financial terms have been settled, while discussions over his coaching staff have also been concluded.

Van Bommel is expected to include at least one Belgian coach in his backroom team as he begins work with the national side.

Belgian Football Association technical director Vincent Mannaert played a key role in the recruitment process, consulting extensively before deciding that Van Bommel was the right man to guide the country’s talented generation.

Van Bommel returns to management after leaving Royal Antwerp in 2024.

During his time at the Belgian club, he delivered one of the greatest achievements in its history by leading Antwerp to the Belgian Pro League title and the Belgian Cup in 2023, completing a memorable domestic double.

His managerial résumé also includes spells with PSV Eindhoven and Bundesliga side Wolfsburg, where his teams showed early promise despite inconsistent finishes.

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, while his ability to communicate in several others has been viewed positively throughout the recruitment process.

He now inherits one of Europe’s most gifted squads, featuring a blend of experienced internationals and emerging stars, as Belgium looks 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.

Van Bommel’s immediate focus will be on preparing Belgium for the next phase of their international campaign as they begin building towards Euro 2028.