Belgium’s football association (RBFA) announced on Friday that national team coach Domenico Tedesco has been relieved of his duties following disappointing performances at Euro 2024 and in the Nations League.
“Unfortunately, the Red Devils did not perform as we hoped at Euro 2024, just as they did in the Nations League campaign,” stated the RBFA on their website.
Tedesco, who was appointed in February 2023 to replace Roberto Martinez and to revamp the squad after the departure of the country’s “golden generation,” saw his team qualify for Euro 2024. However, they were eliminated in the last 16 by France and suffered two more defeats against France in the Nations League, finishing third in their group. The Red Devils now face a relegation play-off against Ukraine in March.
“I was always proud to be the coach of the Red Devils, and we achieved great things together,” Tedesco said. “This team is still at the beginning of its development and will cause a sensation in the coming years. I wish the players, the great employees of the federation, and the fans all the best from the bottom of my heart.”
Along with Tedesco, five members of his support staff and coaching team were also dismissed.
“Domenico made an excellent start as national coach and proved that great things are still possible, even after the previous generation’s departure,” said RBFA CEO Peter Willems. “He has integrated several young players into the team, and his successor can build on this. We would like to thank him and his team for their pleasant cooperation, hard work, and dedication, and wish them all the best for the future.”
The RBFA has not announced a timetable for appointing a successor, but Belgian media have named Frenchmen Rudi Garcia and Thierry Henry as leading candidates. Belgium will begin their 2026 World Cup qualifying campaign with a trip to North Macedonia in June.
