Viktor Goncharenko named Belarus head coach with four-year vision
Viktor Goncharenko has taken charge of the Belarus national football team after signing a four-year deal. The experienced coach replaces Carlos Alós, who managed the side since June 2023. His appointment comes ahead of key tournaments, including the UEFA Nations League in 2026 and Euro 2028 qualifiers in 2027.
Goncharenko brings a wealth of experience to the role. He first made his name at BATE Borisov, leading them from 2007 to 2013. During that time, he secured six Belarusian Premier League titles and guided the club into the group stages of both the Champions League and Europa League.
After leaving BATE, he moved to CSKA Moscow, where he spent five years. There, he twice finished as runner-up in the Russian Premier League. His career then took him abroad, with spells at AS Monaco, Dynamo Moscow, and most recently FC Porto, where he coached until 2024. The Belarusian Football Federation confirmed his contract runs until 2028. Aleksandr Yermakovich will serve as his assistant. The team's next major fixture is the UEFA Nations League in autumn 2026, with the draw for that competition set for February 12, 2026.
Goncharenko's first major task will be preparing for the Euro 2028 qualifying campaign, which begins in 2027. His long-term contract reflects the federation's confidence in his ability to develop the national team. The upcoming Nations League will provide an early test of his leadership.
