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Rabat – Ronald Koeman has announced his departure as the Netherlands head coach one day after Morocco eliminated the Oranje from the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
The Dutch Football Association confirmed that Koeman informed officials he would not extend his expiring contract, bringing his second period in charge of the national team to an end.
The Netherlands exited the tournament in the round of 32 after losing 3-2 to Morocco in a penalty shootout.
The match finished 1-1 following extra time after Issa Diop’s stoppage-time header canceled out Cody Gakpo’s second-half opener.
Yassine Bounou saved Crysencio Summerville’s penalty before Ismael Saibari converted Morocco’s decisive kick, sending the Atlas Lions into the round of 16.
Koeman accepts disappointing World Cup exit
Koeman described the decision to leave as difficult because of the close relationship he had developed with the players and members of his coaching staff.
He thanked everyone involved with the national team during his two spells as coach and acknowledged the disappointment surrounding the Netherlands’ early elimination.
The Dutch had entered the tournament hoping to challenge for the title and were targeting at least a place in the semifinals.
They finished first in their group but struggled to produce consistent performances before being eliminated in their first knockout match.
Koeman came under criticism for adopting a cautious approach against Morocco, including his decision to use five defenders.
He defended the tactical choice after the match, arguing that the formation helped the Netherlands give away fewer chances than they had during the group stage.
However, the Oranje offered limited attacking threat for long periods and failed to protect their lead after Gakpo scored in the 72nd minute.
Family influences Koeman’s decision
Koeman said he now wants to spend more time with his wife, children and grandchildren.
He described leaving as the right and logical decision at this stage of his life, particularly after a personally challenging period for his family.
KNVB director of top-level football Nigel de Jong said the federation respected Koeman’s choice and thanked him for his commitment to the national team.
The KNVB has already begun its post-World Cup evaluation and will now start considering candidates to replace him.
The federation faces some urgency because the Netherlands are due to begin their UEFA Nations League campaign in September, although De Jong said officials would take the necessary time to make the correct appointment.
Second Netherlands spell ends
Koeman first became Netherlands coach in 2018 and led the team to the 2019 UEFA Nations League final.
He left the position in 2020 to take charge of Barcelona before returning to the Dutch national team at the beginning of 2023.
During his second spell, the Netherlands reached the Euro 2024 semifinals, where they lost to England.
Koeman managed the national team in 64 official matches across his two periods in charge.
He also represented the Netherlands 78 times as a player and was part of the team that won the 1988 European Championship.
His second coaching spell ends with one of the Netherlands’ earliest World Cup eliminations in recent history.
