Garcia´s arrival has breathed new life into Belgium, says Meunier

Thomas Meunier heaped praise on Belgium boss Rudi Garcia for his instant impact at the Red Devils since replacing Domenico Tedesco in January.

Belgium qualified for the World Cup with a thumping 7-0 triumph over Liechtenstein on Tuesday, marking Garcia’s sixth win from his 10th game at the helm.

Jeremy Doku and Charles De Ketelaere both starred at Stade Maurice Dufrasne, with Hans Vanaken, Brandon Mechele and Alexis Saelemaekers also getting on the scoresheet.

Garcia’s appointment came after Tedesco led Belgium to the round of 16 at Euro 2025, another poor showing by the Red Devils at a major international tournament.

Belgium’s best finish at a World Cup came in 2018 when they took third in Russia, but Meunier believes Garcia and his staff have the team heading in the right direction.

“The new staff that has arrived is breathing something fresh, something new and, frankly, they are doing their job well and the group is behind them,” Meunier explained.

“They are two completely different staffs. We can’t even compare them. There is one.

“It’s really a new generation with always reinventing football, new exercises and new tactics. It’s something enriching, but it’s not necessarily within everyone’s reach.”

Victory in style. #ScoredWithING pic.twitter.com/6qKhgKaWpv

— Belgian Red Devils (@BelRedDevils) November 18, 2025

It was a much improved display from Belgium, who prolonged their qualification to FIFA’s flagship tournament next summer with a 1-1 draw against Kazakhstan last week.

They registered 23 shots, 13 of which were on target, generating an expected goals (xG) total of 3.08, compared to Liechtenstein’s measly 0.04 from their two attempts.

Though Garcia’s team came under fire for their display at Astana Arena, Meunier was quick to point to the struggles of other top nations during qualifying, highlighting Italy, Denmark and Sweden, who will all compete in the play-offs.

“Of course, we can always improve our game, but when you come to the national team there’s always something to work on,” Meunier added.

“And it’s going to be important to get closer to perfection. And we have the players to do that.

“When you see, for example, Sweden, Italy, Denmark, they are all teams that are struggling. And we’re still here. We are first in the group with no defeats.

“The quality is there, the results are there, we have filled all the stadiums, so there is still enthusiasm, and we feel that there is also a renewed energy, a second wind with this new generation of the Devils. And it’s important to wear it and support it.”