By By Elizabeth Ugbo
Belgium head coach Rudi Garcia will leave his role after the 2026 FIFA World Cup, the Royal Belgian Football Association confirmed on Monday, following Belgium’s quarter-final exit to eventual champions Spain. The association decided not to renew Garcia’s contract, which expires on July 31, making him the 17th national team coach to step down, resign or lose his job after the global tournament.
Belgium Confirm Garcia’s Departure
The Royal Belgian Football Association announced that Garcia’s contract will end as scheduled on July 31.
The 62-year-old guided Belgium to the World Cup quarter-finals before Spain ended their campaign. Spain later defeated Argentina 1-0 in Sunday’s final to win the tournament.
Although Garcia reached the last eight, Belgium’s football authorities chose to begin a new chapter with a different coach.
World Cup Triggers Wave of Coaching Changes
Garcia joins a growing list of national team managers who have left their positions after the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
Some coaches resigned after disappointing results. Others completed their contracts, while several football federations dismissed their managers during or immediately after the competition.
The trend highlights the enormous pressure national team coaches face after major international tournaments. Football associations often seek fresh leadership to prepare for future competitions.
Coaches Who Have Left Since the 2026 FIFA World Cup
- Didier Deschamps (France) – Ended his 14-year tenure after the tournament.
- Roberto Martínez (Portugal) – Stepped down after Portugal’s Round of 16 defeat to Spain.
- Zlatko Dalić (Croatia) – Concluded his nine-year spell after Croatia’s Round of 32 exit to Portugal.
- Javier Aguirre (Mexico) – Resigned after England eliminated Mexico in the Round of 16.
- Ronald Koeman (Netherlands) – Left following the Netherlands’ Round of 32 exit.
- Sebastián Beccacece (Ecuador) – Resigned after Ecuador’s Round of 32 elimination.
- Marcelo Bielsa (Uruguay) – Stepped down after Uruguay’s World Cup campaign.
- Steve Clarke (Scotland) – Left after Scotland failed to progress beyond the group stage.
- Hong Myung-bo (South Korea) – Resigned after South Korea’s early exit.
- Sabri Lamouchi (Tunisia) – Dismissed after Tunisia’s opening 5-1 defeat.
- Miroslav Koubek (Czechia) – Stepped down after Czechia exited in the group stage.
- Pape Thiaw (Senegal) – Had his contract terminated following Senegal’s elimination.
- Rudi Garcia (Belgium) – Will depart after his contract expires following Belgium’s quarter-final finish.
- Carlos Queiroz (Ghana) – Resigned after Ghana exited in the Round of 32.
- Jamal Sellami (Jordan) – Left after Jordan’s early elimination.
- Vladimir Petković (Algeria) – Departed after Algeria’s disappointing campaign.
- Julian Nagelsmann (Germany) – Stepped down after Germany’s Round of 32 exit.
Pressure Mounts on National Team Managers
International football continues to demand immediate success from national team coaches. Consequently, many football associations review managerial positions after every World Cup.
With 17 coaching changes already confirmed, more national teams could appoint new managers before the next international competition.
