Belgium have named former Netherlands captain Mark van Bommel as their new head coach, with the 49-year-old signed on a deal that runs through to Euro 2028.

Van Bommel steps into the role vacated by Rudi Garcia, whose exit was confirmed following Belgium's quarter-final elimination by eventual 2026 World Cup winners Spain. He will officially begin his tenure on 15 August.

A proven winner at club level

The new Belgium boss arrives with a strong track record at club level. His most recent posting was at Royal Antwerp, where he led the club to the Belgian league title, Belgian Cup, and Belgian Super Cup across a two-year spell.

Van Bommel was clear about his ambitions upon being unveiled. "It is a great honour to become head coach of Belgium," he 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."

Association backs the appointment

Belgian Football Association sporting director Vincent Mannaert expressed confidence in the new appointment, stating that Van Bommel's "international experience as both a coach and player" would help the Red Devils "continue to improve, achieve results and reach their full potential."

Van Bommel will have Boudewijn Zenden, Maarten Martens, and Reinier Robbemond alongside him in his coaching setup. His first challenge will come quickly — Belgium face Nations League fixtures against Italy, France, and Turkey in September and October.