Belgium’s football association (RBFA) announced on Friday that national team coach Domenico Tedesco has been dismissed following a string of underwhelming results at Euro 2024 and the Nations League.
The RBFA stated on its website: “Unfortunately, the Red Devils did not achieve the expected results at Euro 2024, just as they struggled in the subsequent Nations League campaign.”
Tedesco, who took over in February 2023 after Roberto Martinez’s departure, was tasked with rebuilding the team as Belgium’s “golden generation” moved on.
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Under Tedesco, Belgium qualified for Euro 2024 but was knocked out in the Round of 16 by France. The team was then defeated by France twice more in the Nations League, finishing third in their group and facing a relegation playoff against Ukraine in March.
“I was always proud to be the coach of the Red Devils, and together we accomplished great things,” Tedesco said in a statement.
“This team is still in the early stages of development, and I believe they will make a big impact in the years to come. I wish the players, staff, and fans all the best from the bottom of my heart.”
Tedesco’s departure had been anticipated for several weeks, though negotiations were delayed due to the RBFA’s complex financial situation. The 39-year-old coach had a contract running until 2026, reportedly worth 1.7 million euros ($1.75 million) annually.
Along with Tedesco, five members of his coaching staff were also let go.
“Domenico made a strong start as head coach, showing that there is still much to look forward to even after the exit of the previous generation,” RBFA CEO Peter Willems said.
“He successfully integrated many young players, and his successor will have a solid foundation to build on. We thank him and his staff for their dedication and wish them all the best.”
The RBFA has not set a timeline for naming Tedesco’s successor, but reports indicate that technical director Vincent Mannaert reached out to candidates like Sergio Conceicao, Xavi, and Erik ten Hag, though they were unavailable. French coaches Rudi Garcia and Thierry Henry, as well as Dutchman Mark van Bommel, are now seen as the frontrunners for the role.
Belgium will kick off their 2026 World Cup qualifying campaign in June with an away match against North Macedonia.