Mark van Bommel was appointed as the head coach of Belgium

Belgium have appointed former Netherlands captain Marc van Bommel as head coach under a contract that runs until Euro 2028.

The 49-year-old replaces Rudy Garcia as Belgium’s quarter-final exit from the 2026 World Cup is confirmed by eventual world champions Spain. Van Bommel will officially take up his duties on August 15.

Van Bommel most recently managed Royal Antwerp, leading the club to the Belgian League Cup, Belgian Cup and Belgian Super Cup in his two years in charge.

“It’s a great honor to be the head coach of Belgium,” Van Bommel said. “Belgium has great players and great potential. Together with my coaching staff, we want to build a disciplined, talented and courageous team.

Belgian Football Association sporting director Vincent Mannart said Van Bommel’s “international experience as a coach and player” would help the Red Devils “continue to improve, produce results and reach their full potential”.

Van Bommel will be assisted by Boudewijn Zenden, Maarten Martens and Reinier Robbemond in the primary task of overseeing the Nations League matches against Italy, France and Turkey in September and October.