Arabic version: تعيين فان بوميل مدرباً لبلجيكا

According to BBC News, Belgium have appointed former Netherlands captain Mark van Bommel as their new head coach, with his contract running through Euro 2028. The 49-year-old will officially begin the role on 15 August.

Van Bommel succeeds Rudi Garcia, whose departure was confirmed after Belgium were eliminated by eventual world champions Spain in the 2026 World Cup quarter-finals.

His most recent managerial position was at Royal Antwerp, where he led the club to the Belgian league title, Belgian Cup and Belgian Super Cup during a successful two-year spell.

“It is a great honour to become head coach of Belgium,” Van Bommel 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.”

Belgian Football Association sporting director Vincent Mannaert said Van Bommel’s international experience as a player and coach would help the Red Devils improve, achieve results and fulfil their potential. Boudewijn Zenden, Maarten Martens and Reinier Robbemond will assist him, with Nations League matches against Italy, France and Turkey scheduled across September and October.