Former Napoli coach Rudi Garcia officially takes over Belgium national team until 2026

The Belgian Football Association (KBVB) announced on Friday that Rudi Garcia will replace Domenico Tedesco as head coach of the national team. His first task is to ensure that Belgium retains its A-level spot in the UEFA Nations League promotion and relegation play-offs, and then strive to qualify for the 2026 World Cup in the United States, Canada and Mexico.

According to the official statement, Rudi Garcia's term will last until the end of the 2026 World Cup.

Rudi Garcia, 61, is from France and has coached Saint-Etienne, Dijon, Le Mans, Lille, Roma, Marseille, Lyon, Riyadh Victory and Naples. He has a total record of 410 wins, 210 losses and 211 wins at the club level, and in 2011 he led Lille to win the French League and French Cup.

The Belgian Football Association had contacted many candidates including Zidane, Henry, Prudhomme, Philippe Clement, Van Gaal, Allegri, Mancini, Ten Hag, Conceicao, Lopetegui, etc., but finally finalized Rudi Garcia, who had been unemployed for more than a year. In this regard, KBVB Sports Director Vincent Mannat explained: "We were looking for a coach who has international experience, has achieved excellent results in high-level competitions, and can convey a winning mentality. We found these qualities in Rudi Garcia."

"We hope he can inject new impetus into the Red Devils, find the best balance between young players and veterans, close the distance between fans and players again, and lead the team to fight for qualification for the 2026 World Cup."

Rudi Garcia said after the signing: "After an in-depth discussion, I am very happy to have the opportunity to coach the Belgian team and lead them to the World Cup. I have a clear understanding of the team's situation and the expectations of the Belgian Football Association. I will start working with a talented team and hope to unite the country behind us again through excellent results."