Soccer-Belgium coach Tedesco extends contract, De Bruyne to miss England friendly

Soccer Football - Euro 2024 Qualifier - Group F - Azerbaijan v Belgium - Dalga Arena, Baku, Azerbaijan - September 9, 2023 Belgium coach Domenico Tedesco REUTERS/Aziz Karimov/File Photo

(Reuters) - Belgium coach Domenico Tedesco's contract has been extended for two more years to take them to the 2026 World Cup, officials said on Thursday, but he will be without talisman Kevin De Bruyne for friendlies with Ireland and England this month.

Tedesco took over from Roberto Martinez after the 2022 World Cup in Qatar and Belgium have not lost in his 10 games in charge so far, though a fallout with their usual first choice keeper means Thibaut Courtois has not been selected during his tenure.