Mark van Bommel tops Belgium coach shortlist as alternatives linger
In a bustling newsroom, a banner flashes “NIEUW Ontvang meldingen bij belangrijk nieuws!” while a prompt urges readers to “Schrijf je HIER in!” and “Word fan van België”. Amid the buzz, Mark van Bommel is identified as the leading candidate to replace Rudi Garcia as Belgium’s new national coach.
De zoektocht naar een nieuwe bondscoach van de Rode Duivels lijkt nu richting een eindpunt te bewegen. After Garcia’s departure, the Belgische voetbalbond (KBVB) wants stability and plans a contract lasting until the EK of 2028, which will be staged in the Verenigd Koninkrijk. Sports Director Vincent Mannaert, Chief Football Operations Pierre Locht and Football Manager Simon Mignolet form the selection committee.
Van Bommel, a 49‑year‑old Dutchman, guided Antwerp in 2023 to a league‑title and cup double. His playing résumé includes stints at FC Barcelona, Bayern München and AC Milan, giving him a strong international profile. These achievements align with the KBVB’s desire for a modern, charismatic leader.
The Belgian FA seeks a coach with a modern vision, a strong personality and excellent people‑management skills. Van Bommel checks all those boxes and is therefore regarded as the primary candidate to steer the national side toward Euro 2028.
Sébastien Pocognoli remains on the shortlist. The former Union SG manager led the Brussels club to a league title and later completed a brief spell at AS Monaco, and at 39 he is viewed as one of Belgium’s most promising young coaches.
Thomas Frank is the third name under consideration. The Danish tactician took Brentford into the Premier League and later managed Tottenham Hotspur for eight months, preserving his reputation as a modern coach.
Mannaert keeps both Pocognoli and Frank as viable plan‑B options, with a decision expected in the coming days. The appointment will determine who guides the next generation of the Rode Duivels to the EK of 2028.
Choosing the right coach will shape Belgium’s path to the tournament and reflect the federation’s commitment to stability and a forward‑looking football philosophy.