Belgium has named former Netherlands captain Mark van Bommel as their new head coach on a contract that extends through Euro 2028.

The 49-year-old takes over from Rudi Garcia, whose exit was confirmed following Belgium’s quarter-final defeat to eventual world champions Spain at the 2026 World Cup. Van Bommel is set to officially assume his role on August 15.

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Most recently, Van Bommel managed Royal Antwerp, leading the club to a successful two-year period that included capturing the Belgian league title, the Belgian Cup, and the Belgian Super Cup.

“It is a great honour to become head coach of Belgium,” Van Bommel said. “Belgium has outstanding players and enormous potential. Together with my coaching staff, we want to build a team that is disciplined, ambitious and brave enough to compete with the very best.”

Vincent Mannaert, sporting director of the Belgian Football Association, remarked that Van Bommel’s “international experience as both a coach and player” will assist the Red Devils in “continuing to improve, achieve results, and reach their full potential”.

Van Bommel’s coaching staff will include Boudewijn Zenden, Maarten Martens, and Reinier Robbemond. His early assignments will focus on overseeing Nations League matches against Italy, France, and Turkey in September and October.