"There is enormous potential": Mark van Bommel appointed coach of the Belgian national team
The Belgian federation has officially announced the appointment of the former Dutch midfielder, who signed a contract until the end of Euro 2028. He replaces Rudi Garcia, who did not continue in the role despite reaching the World Cup quarter-finals.
The Belgian national team opened a new chapter today, Friday, as the local federation officially announced the appointment of Mark van Bommel as head coach. The 49-year-old former Dutch midfielder has signed a two-year contract, running until the end of Euro 2028, and will officially take office on August 15.
Van Bommel replaces Rudi Garcia, whose contract expired at the end of the month and was not renewed, despite leading Belgium to the quarter-finals of the 2026 World Cup. For the Dutchman, this is his first career role as a national team head coach.
"It is a great honor to be appointed coach of the Belgian national team," said Van Bommel after the signing. "I want to thank the Belgian federation for the trust they are placing in me. Belgium has excellent players and enormous potential. Together with my staff, I want to build a disciplined, ambitious, and brave team, one that is not afraid to face the best teams in the world."
He added:
"Success is never guaranteed, but hard work, honesty, and dedication are. We will do everything to help the team improve every day and make the Belgian people proud. I am looking forward to meeting the players, staff, and fans to start this new chapter."
In Belgium, there is hope that Van Bommel will replicate the success he achieved at Antwerp, which he led to a historic championship, a Cup win, and a Super Cup during the 2022/23 season. Previously, he also coached PSV Eindhoven and Wolfsburg.
As a player, Van Bommel was considered one of the most prominent midfielders of his generation. He made 79 appearances for the Dutch national team, played in the 2010 World Cup final, and during his career wore the jerseys of Barcelona, Bayern Munich, AC Milan, and PSV Eindhoven.
He is expected to manage his first match on the sidelines for Belgium in September as part of the Nations League, including a fixture against the French national team.
