{
  "id": 1601861,
  "title": "Garcia blames Belgium's doctors for World Cup struggles",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/08/18/garcia-blames-belgiums-doctors-for-world-cup-struggles",
  "topic": "culture",
  "section": "Culture",
  "published": "2026-08-18T00:21:25.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "New Straits Times",
    "slug": "new-straits-times",
    "url": "https://www.nst.com.my/sports/football/2026/08/1513435/garcia-blames-belgiums-doctors-world-cup-struggles"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Belgium's World Cup coach, Rudi Garcia, has criticized the team's medical staff for contributing to the nation's struggles at the tournament held in Canada, Mexico, and the United States. In his first interview since the conclusion of the World Cup, Garcia stated that their medical team mishandled several injuries and illnesses, which put the World Cup at risk. Despite Belgium reaching the quarter-finals, Garcia acknowledged setbacks that affected their performance.\n\nGarcia's first match against Egypt and Iraq resulted in unimpressive draws, but a 5-1 victory over New Zealand helped them top their group on goal difference. They had to come back against Senegal to advance to the last 16, where they performed their best against the United States. However, injuries and illnesses disrupted their campaign, particularly for Manchester City winger Jeremy Doku and captain Youri Tielemans. Doku struggled with illness and spent time in the emergency room, while Tielemans also faced injuries.\n\nGarcia emphasized that he left the World Cup on a positive note, expressing satisfaction with his performance and the impact they had on Belgian football. He highlighted that the squad had grown attached to him and the country during their 18-month journey together. Although Garcia was not offered a contract renewal, he conveyed that he would have liked to stay, but the decision was ultimately his choice to prioritize his wellbeing and move on to new opportunities.",
  "summary": "BRUSSELS: Belgium’s World Cup coach Rudi Garcia says their efforts at the tournament in Canada, Mexico, and the United States were hampered by their medical team.",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}