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Belgium’s national football team has parted ways with head coach Domenico Tedesco after less than two years at the helm, following a string of underwhelming performances. The decision comes after a 1-0 loss to Israel in the Nations League, which left the Red Devils third in their group and compounded frustrations over their early exit from Euro 2024.
The Belgian Football Association confirmed the dismissal, citing unmet expectations in recent tournaments. “The national team did not perform as we hoped in the Nations League and Euro 2024,” the federation said in a statement.
Promising Start, Rapid Decline
Tedesco, 39, took over in February 2023, succeeding Roberto Martinez after Belgium’s disappointing campaign at the 2022 World Cup in Qatar. The Italian-German manager initially impressed, leading the team on a 13-match unbeaten streak. However, his tenure took a downturn with a series of poor results, including only two wins in their last 10 games.
Euro 2024 proved to be a major setback for Belgium, as they were eliminated in the round of 16 by France. The Nations League campaign that followed saw the team fail to recover, culminating in the loss to Israel.
Off-Field Tensions
Tedesco’s stint was also marked by off-field controversies. Early in his tenure, he clashed with Real Madrid goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois, who later announced he would not represent Belgium as long as Tedesco remained coach. The feud cast a shadow over the team and raised questions about the manager’s ability to unite the squad.
Speculation about Tedesco’s future intensified in December when he skipped the 2026 World Cup qualifying draw, fueling rumors of his departure.
Tedesco Reflects on His Time
In a statement on Friday, Tedesco expressed gratitude for his time with the national team. “It has been a beautiful journey that, unfortunately, has come to an end,” he said. “This team is still in its early stages of development and has the potential to achieve great things in the coming years. I wish the players, staff, and fans all the best.”
Who Will Succeed Tedesco?
As Belgium begins the search for a new head coach, speculation is mounting over potential successors. Among the names mentioned in Belgian media is Thierry Henry, who previously served as an assistant to Roberto Martinez. A return for Henry would bring a familiar face to the Red Devils as they aim to rebuild ahead of the 2026 World Cup.
Belgium’s next steps will be crucial in determining whether they can regain their footing and live up to their reputation as one of Europe’s top footballing nations.
Featured Image Credit: Instagram / @thierryhenry, Pixabay / kp yamu Jayanath
