Belgium head coach Rudi Garcia has become the latest national team manager to leave his post following the 2026 FIFA World Cup, taking the number of coaching departures linked to the tournament to 17 as football federations begin sweeping changes ahead of the next international cycle.
The Royal Belgian Football Association confirmed on Monday that Garcia’s contract, which expires on July 31, will not be renewed after Belgium’s quarter-final elimination by eventual champions Spain. Spain went on to defeat Argentina 1-0 in the World Cup final to lift their second global title.
Garcia, 62, guided Belgium into the last eight before their campaign ended against Spain. His departure continues a trend that has followed almost every major international competition, where disappointing results often trigger managerial changes.
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The latest reshuffle reflects varying circumstances across national teams. While some coaches voluntarily stepped aside after lengthy tenures, others reached the end of their contracts, and several were dismissed after failing to meet expectations.
Among the highest-profile departures is France’s Didier Deschamps, who ended his remarkable 14-year reign after the tournament. Portugal also parted ways with Roberto Martinez after their Round of 16 defeat to Spain, while Croatia’s Zlatko Dalic concluded a successful nine-year spell following his country’s Round of 32 elimination.
Mexico’s Javier Aguirre resigned after England knocked out his side, while Netherlands coach Ronald Koeman stepped down after the Dutch exited in the Round of 32.
Other departures include Sebastian Beccacece (Ecuador), Marcelo Bielsa (Uruguay), Steve Clarke (Scotland), Hong Myung-bo (South Korea), Miroslav Koubek (Czechia), Pape Thiaw (Senegal), Carlos Queiroz (Ghana), Jamal Sellami (Jordan), Vladimir Petkovic (Algeria) and Julian Nagelsmann (Germany).
Tunisia’s Sabri Lamouchi was dismissed during the tournament after a heavy opening defeat, making him the only coach on the list to lose his job before the competition ended.
Full list
- Didier Deschamps – France
- Roberto Martinez – Portugal
- Zlatko Dalic – Croatia
- Javier Aguirre – Mexico
- Ronald Koeman – Netherlands
- Sebastian Beccacece – Ecuador
- Marcelo Bielsa – Uruguay
- Steve Clarke – Scotland
- Hong Myung-bo – South Korea
- Sabri Lamouchi – Tunisia
- Miroslav Koubek – Czechia
- Pape Thiaw – Senegal
- Rudi Garcia – Belgium
- Carlos Queiroz – Ghana
- Jamal Sellami – Jordan
- Vladimir Petkovic – Algeria
- Julian Nagelsmann – Germany
The growing number of exits once again highlights the immense pressure attached to international management, with football associations moving quickly to appoint new coaches as preparations begin for the next cycle of continental and global competitions.
