January 21 – Iceland’s Elisabet Gunnarsdottir has succeeded Yves Serneels as manager of the Belgian women’s national team with a contract until the 2027 Women’s World Cup.
Last week the Belgian FA (RBFA) dismissed Serneels, who qualified the Red Flames for three consecutive European Championships during his fourteen-year reign, and on Monday the RBFA unveiled Gunnarsdottir as his successor. She will be joined by assistant coaches Magnus Palsson and Lenie Onzia.
“Women’s football is evolving at lightning speed and Belgium can’t just sit on the sidelines,” said Peter Willems, CEO of the RBFA. “What’s more, our ambition is to climb the FIFA rankings over the next few years and make our mark on the world stage. That’s why we want to create a new dynamic within the Red Flames.
“Elisabet Gunnarsdottir has a great track record, knows international football and can take our Red Flames to the next level with her experience. So, I’m really looking forward to working with her.”
Gunnarsdottir managed Swedish topflight club Kristianstads DFF as well as the Icelandic U-21 team. At home with Valur, she won the domestic title four times.
“Belgium has taken big steps in recent years for women’s football and built a strong national team, with both experienced and young players,” said Gunnarsdottir.
She will start her role next month with fixtures against Spain and Portugal in the Nations League, with the eventual aim of steering Belgium to a first Women’s World Cup in 2027.
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