Belgium manager Rudi Garcia quits after famous World Cup demolition of USA in controversial Balogun clash

RUDI GARCIA will leave his role as Belgium manager when his contract expires at the end of the month. The Belgian FA confirmed it will not extend the Frenchman’s deal beyond July 31, bringing his 18-month spell in charge to an end. Rudi Garcia will leave his role as Belgium manager at the end of the month Credit: Shutterstock Editorial Belgium succumbed to eventual champions Spain in the World Cup quarter-finals Credit: Reuters Garcia took over from Domenico Tedesco in February 2025 and helped the Red Devils retain their place in League A of the Nations League. He also guided Belgium to the 2026 World Cup, where they reached the quarter-finals before being knocked out by eventual champions Spain. Sign up for the Football newsletter Thank you! Garcia said: “After discussions with the RBFA, we have decided not to extend the excellent journey we have shared over the past 18 months. “I leave Belgium in League A of the Uefa Nations League and among the top eight teams in the world. “I would like to thank my outstanding group of players, Sports Director Vincent Mannaert, and the fans who supported us throughout this World Cup. “I wish Belgium every success as they continue the generational transition that I was proud to help initiate.” Belgium’s World Cup was shrouded in controversy after their last-16 clash against the USMNT. US star Folarin Balogun was spared an automatic one-match suspension following US President Donald Trump’s Fifa intervention. Most read in Sport The rescinded suspension permitted the Monaco striker to start against Belgium and has since blown up into a Fifa v Uefa civil war. Sports director Vincent Mannaert added: “Rudi Garcia has unquestionably played a key role in restoring the Belgian Red Devils. “He was appointed national coach in a challenging sporting and financial context. BEST FREE BETS AND BETTING SIGN UP OFFERS Folarin Balogun was controversially allowed to start against Belgium in the last 16 Credit: Getty “Thanks in particular to his commitment and experience, team cohesion was restored and a strong result was achieved at the most recent Fifa World Cup. “On behalf of the federation, I would like to warmly thank Rudi and his assistants for the past 18 months. “Together with my team, I am currently preparing for a new cycle, including the appointment of a new national coach.” Comment now