Belgium has officially entered a new era after appointing Mark van Bommel as the new head coach of the national team. The Royal Belgian Football Association confirmed that the former Dutch international will replace Rudi Garcia following the Red Devils' campaign at the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

Garcia steps down after guiding Belgium to the quarterfinals, where they were eliminated by eventual world champions Spain, ending a respectable World Cup run.

Van Bommel has signed a contract that will keep him in charge through UEFA Euro 2028. The former midfielder arrives with significant coaching experience, having previously managed PSV Eindhoven, VfL Wolfsburg, and Royal Antwerp, where he enjoyed his greatest success by leading the Belgian club to a historic domestic double, winning both the Belgian Pro League and the Belgian Cup during the 2022-23 season.

Speaking after his appointment, Van Bommel expressed his pride in taking charge of one of Europe's most talented national teams.

"It is a great honor to become Belgium's head coach. I want to thank the Royal Belgian Football Association for the trust they have placed in me. Belgium has exceptional players and enormous potential. Together with my coaching staff, we want to build a disciplined, ambitious team with the courage to compete against the very best," he said.

The Dutch coach also emphasized that commitment and hard work will be the foundation of his project.

"Success is never guaranteed, but hard work, honesty, and commitment are. We will give everything to help this team improve every day and make the Belgian people proud," Van Bommel added.

Belgium now turns to an experienced coach with deep knowledge of both Dutch and Belgian football as it looks to build a new generation capable of competing for major international honors.

Watch beIN SPORTS Xtra live for free on YouTube