Belgium's national head coach Domenico Tedesco steps down from his position

Domenico Tedesco has stepped down from his role as head coach of the Belgian national team. 

Since his appointment in February 2023, the 39-year-old led the team through a tough period, securing 12 victories in 24 matches. Despite the team’s efforts, they faced a tough exit in the round of 16 against France at Euro 2024, where they secured only one win out of four matches. Following this performance, the team also encountered difficulties during the Nations League campaign.

Tedesco's below-par performances and sour relations with players 

Tedesco's team managed to secure only one victory out of their six matches in League A Group 2, ultimately finishing nine points behind France and Italy. However, they avoided automatic relegation to League B by surpassing Israel on goal difference.

Belgium will now face Ukraine in a two-leg play-off match in March, which will determine whether they remain in League A or face relegation.

Goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois earlier stated in August that he would not make himself available for the national team as long as the current manager remains in charge. 

Similarly, Kevin De Bruyne made it clear in October that he needed time away from the Belgium squad due to fatigue and an intense club schedule. This came after he notably criticised his teammates and manager Tedesco following a disappointing Nations League loss to France in September.

There were mere two victories in Tedesco’s last ten matches at the helm, and now Belgium must actively seek a successor. The remaining members of the so-called golden generation are focused on seizing one final opportunity to compete in the FIFA World Cup to be hosted in the United States, Canada, and Mexico in 2026.

Despite never having won a major international tournament, Belgium achieved a third-place finish at the 2018 World Cup and reached the quarterfinals of Euro 2020.