Belgium appoints Rudi as new head coach

Belgium’s football federation announced on Friday that Frenchman Rudi Garcia has been appointed as the new head coach of the national team, replacing Domenico Tedesco.

The 60-year-old, who has previously managed Napoli, Lyon, Roma, Marseille, and Saudi side Al Nassr, will be formally introduced to the media later in the day. Garcia’s primary challenge will be revitalizing the Red Devils following a disappointing Euro 2024 campaign.

Belgium parted ways with Tedesco last week after an underwhelming performance at the tournament and lackluster results in the Nations League. The team is now preparing for a relegation play-off against Ukraine in March.

Garcia’s most recent managerial stint at Napoli ended in 2023 after just five months, following a tumultuous season in the aftermath of the club’s Scudetto triumph. His coaching career gained prominence during his successful tenure at Lille between 2008 and 2013.

Belgium will begin their 2026 World Cup qualification journey with an away fixture against North Macedonia in June. Tedesco, who took over from Roberto Martinez in February 2023, had been tasked with rebuilding the squad as the nation’s “golden generation” moved on.