Mark van Bommel emerges as top candidate to lead Belgium

The Belgian FA has reportedly opened talks with Mark van Bommel as they look to fill the vacancy left by Rudi Garcia after the 2026 World Cup. According to insider Nicolo Schira, the 49-year-old Dutchman is the leading contender for the job. The association has already tabled a contract offer running until the end of Euro 2028. Belgium parted ways with Garcia following their quarterfinal exit at the 2026 World Cup, where they fell 1-2 to Spain. Van Bommel has been out of management since being dismissed by Antwerp in 2024. He previously took charge of Wolfsburg and PSV and served as an assistant coach with the Australian national team. In the 2026/27 Nations League, Belgium will compete in Division A alongside France, Turkey and Italy.