Belgium has a new head coach. Mark van Bommel will take over the national team, signing a contract that runs until 2028. The appointment ends weeks of speculation about who would lead the Red Devils into the next World Cup cycle.
The contract length
Van Bommel's deal is a long one — five years. That gives him time to rebuild a squad that has seen its golden generation age out. The federation is clearly betting on stability. The Dutchman won't have to worry about a short leash.
What van Bommel brings
He's not a stranger to big jobs. Van Bommel has coached at the club level for years, including stints in the Netherlands and Germany. His teams are known for being organized and hard to break down. But international football is different. You don't get to buy players. You work with what you have.
Belgium's pool is still strong, but the core that reached the World Cup semifinals in 2018 is mostly gone. Van Bommel will have to blend experience with youth. The federation's choice suggests they want a coach who can build a system, not just manage egos.
Why now
The timing makes sense. Belgium missed out on the last major tournament's later stages, and the old guard is retiring. A fresh start was needed. Van Bommel's appointment signals a shift toward a longer-term project. The 2026 World Cup is the obvious target, but the contract runs through 2028, covering two full cycles.
No official reason was given for choosing van Bommel over other candidates. The federation simply announced the decision. Van Bommel himself hasn't spoken publicly yet about his plans.
The first test will come soon. Belgium has qualifiers for the next World Cup later this year. Van Bommel will need to name his first squad, pick a captain, and set a style. The federation hasn't said when his first match will be, but the clock is ticking.
