Ronald Koeman resigns after Netherlands exit in round of 16 at 2026 World Cup

Ronald Koeman has decided to step down as head coach of the Netherlands national football team following the team's loss in the round of 16 match at the World Cup.

He announced this on his Instagram page.

"I have decided to end my work as head coach of the Netherlands national team," he wrote.

The Netherlands lost to Morocco on penalties in the round of 16 match at the World Cup (1:1, penalties – 2:3). At the group stage, the Netherlands team won its group, featuring Sweden, Japan, and Tunisia. The Dutch defeated Sweden (5:1) and Tunisia (3:1) and drew with Japan (2:2).

Koeman, 59, has led the Netherlands national team since April 2023. He previously served as head coach from 2018 to 2020. Under his guidance, the team finished second in the Nations League (2019) and qualified for the European Championships in 2021 and 2024. The team exited in the round of 16 at the first tournament and reached the semifinals at the second.

As a head coach, Koeman won the Dutch league title three times with PSV and Ajax. His most recent club role before taking charge of the Netherlands was at Barcelona, where he won the Copa del Rey in 2021.