Rudi Garcia has left his role as Belgium head coach following the nation’s run to the World Cup quarter-final stage.The 62-year-old oversaw knockout-stage victory over Senegal and then the United States men’s national team, but Belgium fell 2-1 to Spain in the last-eight following a late Mikel Merino winner.Garcia was appointed in February 2025 on a deal that was due to run until the end of the World Cup cycle.
𝗧𝗵𝗲 𝗥𝗕𝗙𝗔 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗥𝘂𝗱𝗶 𝗚𝗮𝗿𝗰𝗶𝗮 𝗽𝗮𝗿𝘁 𝘄𝗮𝘆𝘀.
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— Belgian Red Devils (@BelRedDevils) July 20, 2026Belgium underwhelmed in their opening games of the World Cup with draws against Egypt and Iran, but a 5-1 victory over New Zealand started a run in which they were prolific in front of goal, with 12 goals across three games.
Garcia’s side came from two goals down in the 86th minute to defeat Senegal in the last-32, with the coach’s decision to substitute off star attackers Jeremy Doku and Kevin de Bruyne preceding the late turnaround.A comprehensive 4-1 victory over co-hosts the U.S. followed, with the game’s buildup dominated by FIFA’s decision to suspend U.S. striker Folarin Balogun’s one-game ban. Belgium sought to appeal against Balogun’s right to play before the game, which was ultimately unsuccessful, and the federation said it intended to continue to pursue its concerns following their victory.Spain — who would go on to win the tournament — proved a step too far for Belgium, with a goalkeeping error from Senne Lammens preceding Merino’s winner.First-choice goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois was substituted off through injury after Belgium had already lost midfielder Youri Tielemans and Amadou Onana to injuries alongside centre-back Zeno Debast.Courtois had suggested at full time that, despite his injury, he could have stayed on the pitch longer, only for Garcia to decide to bring him off. The head coach explained he “didn’t want players on the pitch who were not 100 per cent”.“I would like to thank my outstanding group of players, sports director Vincent Mannaert, and the fans who supported us throughout this World Cup,” Garcia said in a statement.“I wish Belgium every success as they continue the generational transition that I was proud to help initiate.”
