Ronald Koeman resigns after Morocco ends Netherlands' World Cup campaign

Netherlands head coach Ronald Koeman has resigned following his side's Round of 32 elimination to Morocco at the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

«Last night I took the decision to end my stint as head coach of the Dutch national team. We all shared the dream of making history at this World Cup, but we fell short. No one is more disappointed by that than I am. As head coach, the responsibility ultimately rests with me,» Koeman wrote on Instagram on Tuesday.

The 63-year-old, who returned for a second spell in charge of the Netherlands in January 2023 after previously leading the team between 2018 and 2020, also suggested he may step away from coaching, saying recent personal circumstances had reminded him that «there are more important things than football».

Koeman's resignation comes a day after the Netherlands were knocked out of the tournament by Morocco, who advanced to the Round of 16 after winning 3-2 on penalties following a 1-1 draw after extra time.

The Dutch Football Association's technical director, Nigel de Jong, described the World Cup campaign as disappointing, noting that the team's objective had been to reach the semi-finals and compete for the title.