Panorama

Mark van Bommel announces first squad as coach of the Red Devils

Mark van Bommel has unveiled his first 28-man squad as coach of the Red Devils, featuring notable debutants and returnees.

18 September 2026Tagblick Newsdesk

AI-generatedWritten by an AI system, editorially responsible — how we work

Mark van Bommel announces first squad as coach of the Red Devils — Photo: Darz Mol · Wikimedia Commons · CC BY-SA 3.0

Coach Mark van Bommel revealed his first squad for the Red Devils on Friday afternoon. This selection consists of 28 players and is aimed at the upcoming Nations League matches against Italy, France, and Turkey. Compared to the last squad for the World Cup, there are a total of eight new faces included.

Among the newcomers are goalkeeper Jari De Busser and Kyriani Sabbe, both of whom have received their first call-up to the national team. Additionally, Roméo Lavia and Mika Godts return to the squad after a period of absence.

The selection raises questions about the number of experienced players Van Bommel will call up. Analysts and fans are curious about how many 'old' Devils will remain in the squad. The line-up from the new coach indicates that the changes are more of an evolution than a complete revolution, despite some surprises.

Archive photo: Mark van Bommel announces first squad as coach of the Red Devils — Archive photoPhoto: Original: TBWABusted Derivative work: Kochel86 · Wikimedia Commons · CC BY 2.0

No statements have been made regarding the absence of Thomas Meunier, an experienced player not included in the squad. Van Bommel indicated that he values players' reactions, such as Meunier's response to his non-selection, which was viewed positively.

The match cycle in the Nations League and the busy schedule necessitate the formation of a broader squad, according to Van Bommel. This is a strategic choice to strengthen team dynamics and to have multiple options available during the matches.

The first matches in the Nations League will begin soon, and Van Bommel's choices will be closely scrutinized, especially due to the high expectations from both the team and the public. The final composition of the team will become clear following the upcoming confrontations.

This item was written by an AI system on the basis of the headlines and short teasers of the independently operating newsrooms named below. We disclose this under Art. 50(4), second subparagraph, of Regulation (EU) 2024/1689 (AI Act). Before publication we check origin and verifiability — anything that appears in only one place is not published — as well as language, substance and legally sensitive content. No separate substantive review of each individual item by a natural person takes place; we therefore do not rely on the exemption in Art. 50(4), second subparagraph, of the AI Act. Editorial responsibility for this publication rests with the person named in the imprint (§ 18 Abs. 2 MStV). Please report errors to [email protected] — we will correct or remove the item. Full reports are available from the sources listed.