Former Dutch international Mark van Bommel is in advanced talks with the Belgian Football Association to become the next head coach of the Belgium national team, according to Belgian newspaper De Standaard.
The 49-year-old is expected to replace Rudi Garcia and sign a contract extending through Euro 2028.
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Rebuilding Phase After Golden Generation
Belgian media have identified Van Bommel as the top candidate to lead the team through a rebuilding phase following the departure of key Golden Generation figures such as Romelu Lukaku, Thibaut Courtois, and Axel Witsel after the recent World Cup.
The Belgian FA chose Van Bommel primarily for his tactical acumen, an area where predecessor Garcia faced criticism.
The association aims to use his leadership to integrate a new generation of players into the squad.
Van Bommel previously led Royal Antwerp FC to a domestic double in 2023, securing the club's first league title since 1957 along with the Belgian Cup.
His tenure followed investments of roughly 150 million euros by real estate mogul Paul Gheysens to rebuild the roster.
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Reflecting on his shift in managerial approach during his time in Antwerp, Van Bommel addressed his previous reputation for micro-management.
"I shouldn't always want to know everything," he said. "That applies both to what is in the media and to what happens at the club."
Despite his success at Antwerp, Van Bommel left the club early following internal disagreements with management regarding squad selection.
"I submitted my resignation and left," he said during a conversation with former teammate Zlatan Ibrahimovic.
Before his stint in Belgium, Van Bommel experienced brief managerial tenures at PSV Eindhoven and VfL Wolfsburg, where clashes with players and board members led to early dismissals.
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After leaving Antwerp, he took a break from coaching to spend time with his son, Ruben van Bommel, following the PSV winger's cruciate ligament injury in September 2025.
