Manager Garcia to leave Belgium when contract expires

Belgium won 12, drew six and lost two of their 20 matches under Garcia [Getty Images] Belgium manager Rudi Garcia will leave his role after the country's football association decided against extending his contract. Garcia led Belgium to the quarter-finals of the 2026 World Cup where they were defeated 2-1 by eventual champions Spain. The 62-year-old replaced Domenico Tedesco as Belgium boss in January 2025 on a contract that will expire at the end of July. "Rudi Garcia has unquestionably played a key role in restoring the Belgian Red Devils," said Royal Belgian FA sports director Vincent Mannaert. "He was appointed national coach in a challenging sporting and financial context. "Thanks in particular to his commitment and experience, team cohesion was restored and a strong result was achieved at the most recent World Cup. "On behalf of the federation, I would like to warmly thank Rudi and his assistants for the past 18 months. "Together with my team, I am currently preparing for a new cycle, including the appointment of a new national coach." Belgium failed to convince during the group stage and won just one of their three matches, but produced a remarkable late comeback to beat Senegal 3-2 in the round of 32. Garcia's side impressed in a 4-1 win over tournament co-hosts United States , a match overshadowed by Fifa's decision to suspend the suspension of US striker Folarin Balogun - Garcia likened the incident to an April Fools' Day joke. The former Roma, Lyon and Napoli manager has not lasted more than two years in a job since leaving Marseille in 2019. Lammens' error spells end for Belgium's golden generation When the World Cup finishes, the football continues on BBC Sport Could Infantino really push through a 64-team World Cup?