Van Bommel appointed Belgium head coach

What the report says

BBC Sport reports that Belgium have named Mark van Bommel as their new men’s national team head coach, with his contract set to run through Euro 2028. The former Netherlands captain, aged 49, is due to formally begin the job on 15 August.

Van Bommel replaces Rudi Garcia, whose exit was confirmed after Belgium were knocked out in the quarter-finals of the 2026 World Cup by Spain, who went on to win the tournament, according to the BBC report. The appointment gives Belgium a new lead figure as the national side looks to reset after that elimination and build toward the next European Championship cycle.

The BBC notes that Van Bommel’s most recent coaching post was with Royal Antwerp, where he oversaw a successful two-year spell that included the Belgian league title, Belgian Cup and Belgian Super Cup. Belgian Football Association sporting director Vincent Mannaert cited Van Bommel’s experience in international football as both a player and coach as a reason the federation believes he can help the Red Devils progress.

Van Bommel’s staff will include Boudewijn Zenden, Maarten Martens and Reinier Robbemond. One of his first assignments will be preparing Belgium for Nations League matches against Italy, France and Turkey in September and October, giving the new coaching team an early test against strong European opposition.