Rudi Garcia faces an uncertain future as the Royal Belgian Football Association prepares to review his contract following a controversial World Cup quarter-final exit. The French coach’s decision to remove Thibaut Courtois during Friday’s 2-1 defeat to Spain has drawn heavy criticism from pundits and intensified scrutiny of his eight-month tenure.
Contract review looms after substitution backfires
Garcia replaced Courtois with Senne Lammens after 71 minutes, citing fitness concerns despite the goalkeeper’s belief that he could continue after feeling a twinge in his leg. The substitute spilt a low strike from Pau Cubarsí, allowing Mikel Merino to score the winner four minutes from time.
Belgian commentator Peter Vandenbempt led the backlash, calling the substitution “astonishing” and questioning the logic of removing an elite goalkeeper over concerns about his long-ball distribution. He argued that Garcia “clings to rigid principles” by refusing to trust players who are not “100% fit”, even when they insist they can continue.
Mixed tournament record
The incident caps a varied campaign for the 62-year-old, who was appointed in January 2025 to replace Domenico Tedesco and tasked with revitalising a squad described as toxic and soulless under the previous regime. Garcia met his key targets by securing World Cup qualification, maintaining Belgium’s top-tier Nations League status and reaching the last eight. His record stands at 12 wins, six draws and two defeats from 20 matches.
However, the team’s journey was inconsistent. Belgium drew with Egypt and Iran during the group phase before defeating New Zealand to top the section. They required a dramatic comeback from two goals down to beat Senegal in the last 32, a match where Garcia had already withdrawn several leading players. The substitutes proved vital throughout, contributing a record nine goals for any team at a men’s World Cup finals. Youngsters Nathan Ngoy and Nicolas Raskin were among those to impress, while the Red Devils also delivered a commanding 4-1 victory over co-hosts the USA.
What next for Belgium?
Garcia’s contract expires at the end of the month and federation officials must decide whether he remains the right choice to build a squad capable of challenging for Euro 2028. The review will assess whether his tactical approach and man-management style suit the next phase of Belgium’s reset.