Which coaches have been fired or resigned at the 2026 World Cup?

Yet more coaches have left their posts at the World Cup 2026, with Ronald Koeman announcing that he is stepping down as Netherlands head coach following his team’s Round of 32 exit to Morocco at the World Cup.

“It hurts that my time with the Dutch national team has ended like this. We all dreamed of a World Cup where we would make history. It wasn’t possible. No one is more disappointed than I am. As national team coach, you carry that responsibility. I’ve always felt it, and I always will,” he wrote.

Ecuador coach also steps down

The same happened with Ecuador head coach Sebastián Beccacece after his side was knocked out by Mexico earlier today.

“I’m grateful for everything this adventure and this journey has been, to the players and to the country. I have no regrets, only gratitude.”

“We were thoroughly outplayed in the first half. After that I think we responded, but we couldn’t find the goal that would have given us a little more belief.”

The Netherlands were eliminated by Morocco in a penalty shootout on Monday night at Monterrey Stadium in Mexico, ending their World Cup campaign in the opening knockout round. The Dutch had targeted at least a semifinal appearance, and hoped to go even further.

Which coaches have left at the World Cup 2026

In total six coaches have now left their teams after poor results at the World Cup. Earlier in the tournament, Tunisia became the first team to make a coaching change when Sabri Lamouchi was dismissed during the group stage after a catastrophic opening game, losing 5-1 to Sweden.

Scotland head coach Steve Clarke then stepped down following his team’s group-stage elimination, before South Korea’s Hong Myung-bo also resigned after his side failed to reach the knockout rounds. Marcelo Bielsa became the fourth managerial departure when he left Uruguay after their World Cup campaign came to an end, continuing a growing trend of high-profile coaching exits as the tournament has progressed.

What did Koeman say on stepping down as Netherlands coach?

Koeman bid farewell in an emotional letter:

“I want to thank every player I’ve had the privilege of working with. Their dedication, character and trust inspired me every day. Thanks also to my coaching staff, the KNVB, everyone working behind the scenes, and the clubs where I had the privilege of coaching. But above all, thank you to the fans. For your support, especially in the difficult moments. It has been a tremendous honor to represent the Netherlands as national team coach.”

He also spoke about his wife’s illness:

“Soccer has been my life, but health is priceless. When someone you love with all your heart is fighting a difficult battle, your perspective changes. My wife Bartina, despite her own illness, supported and encouraged me every day to finish my work as national team coach. That shows incredible strength. I am deeply grateful to her for that, more than I will ever be able to express in words.”

Koeman replaced Dick Advocaat as Netherlands head coach in 2018 and guided the team to the 2019 UEFA Nations League final. In mid-2020, he left to become Barcelona manager before returning to the national team after the 2022 World Cup, succeeding Louis van Gaal. He led the Dutch to the semifinals of UEFA Euro 2024, and expectations were high for the 2026 World Cup, but their campaign came to an unexpected early end.

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