After less than two years in command, Domenico Tedesco, the head coach of Belgium, was fired.
With his team only winning two of their last ten games, the Italian-German had been under pressure after a string of dismal outcomes.
In November, Tedesco’s final game as manager saw Belgium lose to Israel 1-0 in the Nations League, resulting in the Red Devils finishing third in their group.
The national squad “did not perform as we hoped” in the Nations League and at Euro 2024, when they were defeated by France in the round of 16, according to a statement from the Belgian Football Association.
After the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, Tedesco succeeded Roberto Martinez and was hired in February 2023.
With a 13-game winning streak to start the season, the 39-year-old’s performance at Euro 2024 was disappointing.
He had a falling out with Real Madrid goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois early in his reign, and the 32-year-old later declared that he would not play for Belgium again as long as Tedesco was still in command.
After that, Tedesco was rumored to be quitting his position after he did not appear for the 2026 World Cup qualifying draw in December.
“A beautiful journey” that is “unfortunately coming to an end” is how Tedesco characterized his term on Friday.
“This team is still at the beginning of its development and will cause a sensation in the coming years,” said Tedesco.
“I wish the players, the great employees of the federation and the fans all the best from the bottom of my heart.”
In recent days, Belgian media have conjectured about a potential successor, including the return of Thierry Henry, who briefly assisted Martinez.
