Belgium parts ways with Tedesco: National team seeks new direction for 2026 World Cup campaign

The Belgian Football Association (RBFA) has officially terminated Domenico Tedesco's contract as national team head coach following a downturn in results that culminated in a disappointing Euro 2024 campaign and poor Nations League performance.

"I was always proud to be the coach of the Red Devils, we achieved great things together. A beautiful journey is now unfortunately coming to an end," Tedesco said in a statement.

The 39-year-old Italian-born German coach's tenure, which began promisingly with a 13-match unbeaten run after replacing Roberto Martinez post-2022 World Cup, unraveled in his final 10 games where Belgium managed just two victories. His position became particularly precarious after Belgium's Nations League defeat to Israel in Hungary last November.

"Domenico made an excellent start as national coach and proved that there are still great things possible, even after the send-off of the previous generation," said Peter Willems, RBFA's CEO. "He has integrated a number of young players into the team, and his successor can build on this. We would like to thank him and his team for the pleasant cooperation, their hard work and dedication, and wish them all the best for the future."

Tedesco's reign was also marked by controversy, notably a public dispute with star goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois, who refused to play for the national team under his leadership. The coach's absence from December's 2026 World Cup qualifiers draw had already signaled his likely departure.

As Belgium looks ahead to their 2026 World Cup qualifying campaign, reports suggest former assistant coach Thierry Henry could be in line for the role, with the RBFA stating that "the search for a new coaching staff is proceeding smoothly."

SportsLigue