BRUSSELS (AP) — The Belgian federation has extended the contract of coach Marc Wilmots to the 2018 World Cup after he led the Red Devils to their first finals in a dozen years.

Under Wilmots, Belgium has become a contender to advance into the final stages of the World Cup in Brazil, and with a slew of talent from the English Premier League and La Liga, he has molded them into an exciting team which stood as high as fifth in the FIFA rankings late last year.

It is generally acknowledged that a team with young stars such as playmaker Eden Hazard of Chelsea and goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois of Atletico Madrid will be at its best for the European Championship in France in two years and the 2018 World Cup.