Top News

Bayern Munich legend Mark van Bommel has been confirmed as the new Belgium head coach, with former Chelsea and Liverpool winger Boudewijn Zenden set to work as his assistant.

The Belgian Football Association (RBFA) has appointed former Bayern Munich midfielder Mark van Bommel as the new head coach of the Red Devils. The 49-year-old Dutchman moves into the position after Rudi Garcia’s exit following the World Cup, and he will have former Chelsea and Liverpool winger Boudewijn Zenden as part of his technical staff.

Van Bommel takes Belgium job

Van Bommel has been officially named as the new head coach of the Belgium national team on a two-year contract that runs until Euro 2028. Announcing the appointment on their official website, the Belgian FA said: "The Royal Belgian Football Association is pleased to announce that Mark van Bommel (49 years old) will become the new head coach of the Red Devils from 15 August 2026."

The former Bayern captain succeeds Garcia, who left the federation after the Red Devils were knocked out in the World Cup quarter-finals. To strengthen his coaching group, Van Bommel has added three experienced assistants, including former Chelsea and Liverpool winger Zenden.

Duo excited for venture

RBFA sports director Vincent Mannaert gave a warm welcome to the coach and his backroom staff, saying: "I am very pleased that Mark van Bommel and his assistants have accepted our challenge.

"They are hungry and ambitious, and I am convinced that, thanks to their international experience as coach and player, they will be able to perfectly help our Red Devils to continue growing, achieve results, and fully utilise their potential on an individual and collective level."

Meanwhile, Van Bommel said he was proud to be given the Belgium national team role, stating: "It is a great honour to become the national coach of Belgium. I would like to thank the Royal Belgian Football Association for the trust they have placed in me.

"Belgium has outstanding players and enormous potential. Together with my technical staff, we want to build a team that is disciplined, ambitious, and brave enough to compete with the very best.

"Success is never guaranteed, but hard work, honesty, and dedication are. We will give everything to help this team improve every day and make the Belgian people proud. I look forward to meeting the players, the staff, and the supporters and starting this new chapter together."

Antwerp success highlights credentials

The Dutchman’s appointment shows Belgium’s desire to stay competitive at the highest level of international football after Garcia’s spell, which produced 12 wins from 20 matches. Van Bommel has an impressive record in club management, most notably making history by guiding Royal Antwerp to a domestic league and cup double in the 2022-23 season. His wide experience as a top-level player with PSV, Barcelona, Bayern and AC Milan is seen as a key asset for leading Belgium’s next generation.

ENJOYED THIS STORY?

Add GOAL.com as a preferred source on Google to see more of our reporting

Nations League fixture awaits

Van Bommel will officially take charge next month before leading the team into their upcoming UEFA Nations League campaign. The former Wolfsburg manager has been given the task of quickly building a disciplined and competitive structure to make the most of the squad’s depth. His first major test will be an away match on September 25 against an Italy side that was recently turned down by Pep Guardiola.