Belgium Sacks National Team Coach Tedesco Following Euro 2024 Disappointment

The Royal Belgian Football Association (RBFA) has announced the dismissal of national team coach Domenico Tedesco on Friday, following a disappointing Euro 2024 campaign and a lackluster performance in the Nations League.

Tedesco, who was appointed in February 2023 to replace Roberto Martinez, failed to lead the team beyond the last 16 at Euro 2024, where they were eliminated by France. The team’s struggles continued in the Nations League, finishing third in their group and facing a relegation play-off against Ukraine in March 2024.

“I was always proud to be the coach of the Red Devils, 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.”

In addition to Tedesco’s departure, five members of his support staff and coaching team were also let go.

RBFA CEO Peter Willems praised Tedesco’s efforts, saying, “Domenico made an excellent start as national coach and proved that there are still great things possible, even after the send-off of the previous generation. 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 timeline for appointing a new coach, but Belgian media have identified Frenchmen Rudi Garcia and Thierry Henry as leading candidates. Belgium’s next challenge will be the 2026 World Cup qualifying campaign, which kicks off with a trip to North Macedonia in June.

AFP