Agency Report –
Domenico Tedesco has left his role as Belgium men’s coach, the country’s football federation said on Friday.
The 39-year-old German took up the post in February 2023 and signed a contract until the 2026 World Cup.
But fans and media criticized Tedesco for his side’s showings in the Nations League, where they narrowly avoided direct relegation last year. They also flopped at Euro 2024, losing 1-0 to France in the last 16.
“Domenico made an excellent start as national coach, proving that great things are possible even after our farewell to a golden generation,” federation chief executive Peter Willems said in a statement.
“He has integrated a number of young players into the team, which is something his successor can build on. We would like to thank him and his team for the cooperation, hard work and commitment, and wish them all the best for the future.”
The federation will start the search for a new coach immediately, with a Nations League relegation play-off against Ukraine in March before World Cup qualifiers.
The former RB Leipzig and Schalke coach had complained about the high number of injuries in the Belgium squad in November but had expressed confidence that he was still the right man for the job.
Instead Tedesco leaves after less than two years.
“I was always a proud national coach of the Red Devils,” he said.
“A great story is now unfortunately coming to an end. I am 100% sure the team will win against Ukraine and also qualify for the World Cup without any problems. This team is still at the beginning of its development and will create waves in the coming years.”
