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Belgium trainer Garcia clarifies statements about Senegal and African teams
Teams 4 July 2026

Belgium trainer Garcia clarifies statements about Senegal and African teams

Rudy Garcia, coach of the Belgian national team, explains his statements about teams that are not used to pressure at the world championship, after criticism of Senegal.

Head coach of the Belgian national team, Rudy Garcia, has clarified that he did not want to criticize all African teams. Previously, after the 1/16 final of the 2026 World Cup against Senegal (3-2), he expressed his criticism of Pape Thiago's team, talking about poor tactical choices of "these teams".

"Going back to my statement after the match and to avoid any ambiguity, by 'these teams' I meant teams that are not used to having an advantage in such matches at this level in the World Cup. My comment was in no way aimed at African teams and could just as well have referred to teams from Asia, South America or Europe who are not used to that pressure. As a less experienced coach, I learned at the time that stopping playing to get results at all costs is counterproductive. That was what I was thinking about. when I said that in such moments these teams can lose their tactical structure," Garcia wrote on his social media account.

Belgium has advanced to the 1/8 finals of the 2026 World Cup, where it will play against the United States. Senegal has dropped out of the tournament.


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