Garcia Blames Medical Staff for Belgium’s World Cup Setbacks

Belgium entered the 2026 World Cup in North America with high expectations centered on stars Kevin De Bruyne, Thibaut Courtois and Romelu Lukaku. The team opened with draws against Egypt and Iraq before a 5-1 victory over New Zealand in Vancouver secured the top spot in Group F on goal difference. A comeback win over Senegal advanced Belgium to the round of 16, where they produced their strongest display against the United States. Despite reaching the quarter-finals, the campaign was described by coach Rudi Garcia as “unconvincing” because of multiple injuries and illnesses that he says were mishandled by the medical team.

Reuters

Garcia highlighted several key absences: captain Youri Tielemans, midfielder Charles De Ketelaere, defender Zeno Debast, and Manchester City winger Jeremy Doku. Doku’s condition was particularly serious; he spent a night in the emergency room with fluid in his lungs after a delayed scan. Garcia recounted his own role in arranging that scan:

Reuters

“A week earlier, at my insistence, we had managed to arrange an appointment for a scan,” — Rudi Garcia, world cup coach

Reuters

He added that, had his contract been renewed, he might have stayed, but he felt “very calm and satisfied” with what he accomplished. Garcia repeatedly stressed that the medical mishandlings, not tactical choices, were the primary factor limiting Belgium’s performance.

Reuters

Following the tournament, the Belgian Football Association acted quickly, appointing former Dutch international Mark van Bommel as the new head coach. The move signals a fresh direction for the Red Devils as they look to build on the quarter-final run while addressing the medical and injury concerns raised by Garcia.

Reuters