A notable shift has occurred as 25% of coaches participating in the recent World Cup have stepped down from their roles with national teams. This trend underscores the increasing pressures and high expectations associated with international football.
Tunisia’s Coaching Changes
Sabri Lamouchi was appointed on January 14 to replace Sami Trabelsi after Tunisia’s defeat to Mali in the Africa Cup of Nations. However, Lamouchi was dismissed following a heavy 5-1 loss to Sweden in their opening group match. After the defeat, he remarked, “We have our pride. We need to react.” The Tunisian Football Federation announced, “The Federation Tunisienne de Football announces the termination of its contractual relationship with head coach Sabri Lamouchi by mutual agreement and wishes him every success in his future professional endeavours.”
Hervé Renard took over from Lamouchi on June 16 but resigned just 18 days later, unable to improve Tunisia’s performance at the World Cup, where the team set a record for goals conceded, totaling 12. In an Instagram post, he shared, “It was an honour to wear Tunisia’s colours and to live this unforgettable experience.”
Portugal’s Shift in Leadership
Roberto Martínez began his tenure as head coach on January 9, 2023, succeeding Fernando Santos after Portugal’s exit against Morocco in the quarter-finals of the 2022 World Cup. His departure was confirmed after Portugal was eliminated by Spain in the last 16. Martínez stated, “I came with the objective of winning the World Cup and because I haven’t won, it wouldn’t make sense to continue.”
South Korea’s Struggles
Hong Myung-bo resumed his role as head coach on July 8, 2024, after a previous stint that ended without a win at the 2014 World Cup. He resigned amid harsh criticism following defeats to Mexico and South Africa, leading to a prolonged wait for confirmation of their exit. In a statement, he noted, “The position of head coach is one in which responsibility is so great that no explanation is necessary when the results fall short.” South Korea’s president, Lee Jae-myung, criticized the leadership decision, stating, “If an incapable person is appointed as a leader, the outcome is as predictable as fire.”
Czechia’s Coaching Transition
Miroslav Koubek was appointed on December 19, 2025, to lead Czechia after Ivan Hasek’s failure to secure automatic qualification, managing the team through playoffs to achieve their first World Cup appearance since 2006. He resigned on June 29 by mutual agreement after the team finished last in their group. Koubek remarked, “A media campaign based on a series of half-truths and fabrications against me also contributed to my decision.” David Trunda, chair of the Czech FA, expressed gratitude for Koubek’s contributions, stating, “He deserves my sincere respect and thanks.”
Scotland’s Departure
Steve Clarke, who took charge on May 20, 2019, made history as the first men’s head coach to guide Scotland to three major tournaments. He resigned after their World Cup exit was confirmed by their failure to qualify among the eight best third-placed teams. In an open letter to supporters, he expressed, “One element that has given me the greatest satisfaction is witnessing the reconnection of our national team and our fans.” SFA chief executive Ian Maxwell remarked, “He made up his mind that he wanted to step down. There has been some fairly hysterical commentary back home, which hasn’t helped, but ultimately it is up to Steve.”
Uruguay’s Coaching Change
Marcelo Bielsa was appointed on May 15, 2023, in the wake of Uruguay’s disappointing performance at the 2022 World Cup, notably selecting 14 uncapped players rather than leaning on veterans. He ultimately resigned after Uruguay’s exit in the group stage, concluding his three-year contract with the federation. During a heartfelt 100-minute press conference, he lamented, “I have not left anything to Uruguayan football.” Defender Sebastián Cáceres shared that Bielsa held a farewell meeting with the players, stating, “I’m not going to say what was discussed. That has to stay between us, as it should have from the very beginning.”
Croatia’s Long-serving Coach Departs
Zlatko Dalic, who took over on October 7, 2017, led Croatia to the 2018 World Cup final and the 2022 semi-finals. As the longest-serving coach on this list, he stepped down when his contract expired after Croatia’s controversial 2-1 defeat to Portugal in the last 32. In a statement about his departure, he said, “When I took over, I didn’t dare dream that we’d achieve everything we have.” The Croatian federation responded, “Thank you for everything – the victories, the achievements, the qualifying berths, the medals, the unity, the respect, and your unwavering commitment to fight for Croatia.”
Ghana’s New Leadership
Carlos Queiroz was appointed on April 13, 2026, after Otto Addo was released following a string of poor performances, including a 5-1 friendly defeat to Austria. Queiroz resigned after Ghana’s elimination by Colombia in the last 32. The 73-year-old reflected in a social media post, “I leave this journey with pride in what we achieved.” However, Koffi Adams, the minister for sport and recreation, stated that he “had not received any resignation letter from the FA … He wasn’t appointed on social media, so I don’t think that he resigned via social media.”
Germany’s Coaching Shift
Julian Nagelsmann was appointed on September 22, 2023, to replace Hansi Flick after a 4-1 defeat to Japan. He left following the unexpected exit against Paraguay in the last 32, asserting, “My top priority has always been the success of the team. After such a bitter disappointment, it deserves the chance of a new beginning.” Rudi Völler, the sporting director of the German football association, affirmed Nagelsmann’s abilities, stating he “is and remains an excellent coach and I am convinced that he will continue to follow his path successfully” – albeit not with Germany. Jürgen Klopp is being considered for the position.
The Netherlands’ Recent Changes
Ronald Koeman resumed his duties on January 1, 2023, after Louis van Gaal’s retirement. However, he resigned after the shootout loss to Morocco in the last 32, facing backlash for his conservative tactics. He reflected, “Looking back on my career, I feel especially proud. The past few years have made me realise again that there are more important things than football.” Marianne van Leeuwen of the Royal Dutch football association noted that he “gave everything for the Dutch national team”
Sebastián Beccacece took the helm on August 1, 2024, succeeding Félix Sánchez. Although he lost just three matches in nearly two years, he resigned following a 2-0 defeat to co-hosts Mexico in the last 32. He explained, “Our contract ended with the World Cup.” Addressing questions about his defensive style, Beccacece mentioned, “For the fans who don’t know me, I think I didn’t quite click with them.” The Ecuadorian football federation thanked him for his “commitment, dedication and professionalism throughout this cycle”
- World Cup 2026
- World Cup
- features
