Overview
- Belgium has appointed Mark van Bommel to replace Rudi Garcia and the coach is expected to take charge in mid‑August under a deal reported to run through the Euro 2028 cycle.
- Thibaut Courtois publicly welcomed Van Bommel but said he will decide on his international future after talks that would allow him to rest during the upcoming UEFA Nations League while he recovers.
- Courtois picked up a thigh injury in Belgium’s World Cup quarter‑final loss to Spain and left that match, after which his replacement Senne Lammens made an error that led to the decisive goal.
- Van Bommel arrives with recent domestic success at Royal Antwerp and prior spells at PSV and Wolfsburg, and his playing career at top clubs is expected to help him command respect in the squad.
- The new coach must quickly clarify goalkeeper roles, manage veteran workloads, and test backup options before Nations League matches and the Euro 2028 qualifying period, which will shape Belgium’s short‑term competitiveness and squad leadership.