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Ronald Koeman quits as Netherlands coach after World Cup penalty heartbreak against Morocco
01st July, 2026 07:21 AM
Ronald Koeman has stepped down as Netherlands manager after they exited the 2026 FIFA World Cup at the round of 32 stage, following defeat by Morocco in Monterrey, Mexico.
News of the former Premier League manager’s resignation was confirmed by the Ons Oranges team after the Dutch elimination by Atlas Lions through penalty heartbreak on Tuesday, July 30, 2026.
His resignation marks the end of Koeman’s second spell as head coach.
Stepped down
“Ronald Koeman has informed the Dutch Football Association (KNVB) that he will not extend his contract as head coach of the Netherlands national team when it expires,” part of the statement read.
Koeman has been in charge of the team, hugely considered among the tournament favourites for a maiden World Cup crown, backed with an impressive, long-standing profile. The team had not lost a single game in normal time in their past 14 World Cup encounters.
Reflecting on his decision to quit, he acknowledged that he enjoyed his time with the national team and expressed gratitude for the support he was accorded during his tenure.
He, however, noted that the time had come to call on time, as he says he will be shifting his focus to his family.
“Precisely because I have worked so closely and intensively with this coaching staff and this group of players for such a long time, this was not an easy decision to make,” his statement read in part.
“I am grateful and would like to express my sincere appreciation for the dedication shown by everyone involved with Oranje during both of my periods as head coach.
“Of course, it is deeply disappointing that our World Cup campaign has ended so early. But once I have had time to process it and look back, I will mainly remember the great cooperation and the many wonderful moments we shared together. I would therefore like to thank everyone who contributed to that,”
He becomes the fifth manager to be sacked in the ongoing tournament after a dismal run. Others include Miroslav Koubek of Czech Republic, South Korea’s Myung-bo Hong, Steve Clarke of Scotland and Tunisia’s Sabri Lamouchi, who was axed during the tournament.
