Ronald Koeman has stepped down as manager of the Netherlands following their World Cup exit at the hands of Morocco.
The Netherlands were eliminated on penalties in the round of 32, having going into stoppage time against the African champions. Both teams played a 1-1 draw in regulation time and none failed to find the winner in extra time.
Morocco were clinical in the penalty shootout and that proves to be Koeman’s final act of his second spell in charge of the national team, after he retook the role in 2023.
Confirming his departure on Tuesday, Koeman posted on Instagram: “Last night, I made the decision to conclude my tenure as head coach of the Dutch national team.
“When I look back on my career, I feel primarily pride and gratitude. I have had the privilege of working at Vitesse, Ajax, Benfica, PSV, Valencia, AZ, Feyenoord, Southampton, Everton, FC Barcelona, and, of course, two periods with Oranje. Clubs and people who have shaped me and given me memories that I will cherish for the rest of my life.
“That is precisely why it hurts that my time with Oranje ends this way. We all dreamed of a World Cup in which we would make history. That did not happen. No one is more disappointed about that than I am. As head coach, you bear that responsibility. I have always felt it and will always continue to feel it.
“Moreover, the past few years have made me realize once again that there are more important things than football.
“Football has been my life, but health is priceless. When someone you love with all your heart is fighting a tough battle, your perspective changes.
“Despite her own illness, my wife Bartina supported and encouraged me every day to complete my work as national coach. That is a testament to incredible strength. I am more grateful to her for this than I will ever be able to put into words.
Ronald Koeman during the 2026 FIFA World Cup knockout phase match between the Netherlands and Morocco (Photo by ANP via Getty Images)
“I want to thank all the players with whom I have had the privilege of working. Your dedication, character, and trust motivated me every day.
“Thanks also to my staff, the KNVB, all employees behind the scenes, and the clubs where I have had the privilege of working. But above all, thanks to the supporters. For your support, especially during difficult times. It was a tremendous honor to represent the Netherlands as national coach.
“I am saying goodbye with mixed feelings. Of course, I would have preferred to conclude my time with Oranje with a world title. Unfortunately, that dream remained unfulfilled.
“But above all, pride prevails. Pride in everything football has brought me, in the people I have met, and in the fact that I was able to turn my greatest passion into my profession.
“Thank you for all those years full of trust, criticism, support, disappointments, successes and so on.”
The Netherlands’ last-32 exit is their earliest at the World Cup since going out in the last 16 20 years ago.
Former Liverpool manager Arne Slot has been tipped to succeed Koeman.
Slot left Liverpool after the Reds fell well short in the defence of their Premier League title last season.
