Belgium Sacks Manager Domenico Tedesco Following Thibaut Courtois Dispute

Domenico Tedesco has been sacked from his position as head coach of Belgium, just 10 months after he renewed his contract.

The 39-year-old, appointed in 2023, and his staff had renewed terms through to the 2026 World Cup last March.

However, Tedesco has led the team to a disappointing Round of 16 exit at Euro 2024, and in August, goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois announced that he would not participate in the national team as long as the manager was in charge.

Kevin De Bruyne also asked for time away from the Belgium set-up in October, citing fatigue and a hectic club schedule, though he had criticized his teammates and Tedesco after a Nations League loss to France in September.

This was part of a stretch where Tedesco managed only two wins in his last ten games, leading Belgium to seek a successor.

The remaining members of the so-called golden generation may be looking towards one final tournament in 2026, which will be held in the United States, Canada, and Mexico.

“Domenico made an excellent start as national coach and proved that there are still great things possible, even after the send-off of the previous generation,” Peter Willems, CEO of the Belgian FA, said.

“He has integrated a number of young players into the team, and his successor can build on this. We would like to thank him and his team for their pleasant cooperation, hard work, and dedication, and we wish them all the best for the future.”

Belgium next play in the Nations League play-offs on 20 and 23 March with a new appointment expected to be in place. Tedesco’s staff have also left their roles.

Philippe Clement, who is currently the manager of Rangers, has been linked to the vacant head coach position.