The World Cup 2026 has seen a significant turnover in coaching positions, with 25% of managers departing their roles under various circumstances. This trend reflects the high stakes and pressures associated with international football, as teams strive for excellence on the global stage.
Tunisia’s Coaching Shifts
Sabri Lamouchi was appointed on January 14 to take over from Sami Trabelsi after Tunisia’s penalty loss to Mali in the Africa Cup of Nations’ last 16. However, he was dismissed following a heavy 5-1 defeat to Sweden in their opening group match. After the loss, he stated, “We have our pride. We need to react.” The Tunisian Football Federation later 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.”
Just 18 days after his appointment, Hervé Renard resigned, unable to enhance Tunisia’s World Cup performance, which saw the team set a record for goals conceded during the group stage at 12. He reflected on his brief tenure in an Instagram post, saying, “It was an honour to wear Tunisia’s colours and to live this unforgettable experience.”
Portugal’s Early Exit
Roberto Martínez took the helm on January 9, 2023, following Fernando Santos’s departure after Portugal’s 1-0 defeat to Morocco in the 2022 World Cup quarter-finals. His exit was confirmed after Portugal’s elimination by Spain in the last 16. Martínez expressed his disappointment, stating.
“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 returned as head coach on July 8, 2024, after an unsuccessful initial stint where South Korea failed to win a match at the 2014 World Cup. He stepped down amid harsh criticism following losses to Mexico and South Africa, which delayed confirmation of their exit. He remarked in a prepared statement: “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 decision-making process, asserting: “If an incapable person is appointed as a leader, the outcome is as predictable as fire.”
Czechia’s Journey
Miroslav Koubek was appointed on December 19, 2025, after Ivan Hasek led Czechia through playoffs to their first World Cup since 2006. However, he resigned on June 29 by mutual agreement after the team finished last in their group. He cited a media campaign filled with “A media campaign based on a series of half-truths and fabrications against me also contributed to my decision.” as a factor in his decision. The chair of the Czech FA, David Trunda, expressed gratitude for Koubek’s contributions, stating: “He deserves my sincere respect and thanks.”
Scotland’s Transition
Steve Clarke, appointed on May 20, 2019, made history as the first men’s head coach to lead Scotland to three major tournaments. He resigned after Scotland’s failure to secure a spot among the best third-placed teams in the World Cup. In an open letter to fans, he shared.
“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 noted Clarke’s decision was his own amidst significant media scrutiny.
Uruguay’s New Direction
Marcelo Bielsa assumed the role on May 15, 2023, following Uruguay’s disappointing performance at the 2022 World Cup. He made headlines by selecting 14 uncapped players, moving away from veteran players. Bielsa departed after Uruguay’s group-stage exit coincided with the end of his three-year contract. In a lengthy 100-minute press conference, he shared.
“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.”
Afterward, he met with his players, with defender Sebastián Cáceres emphasizing the confidentiality of their discussions.
Croatia’s Leadership Change
Zlatko Dalic, who began his tenure on October 7, 2017, led Croatia to the 2018 World Cup final and the semi-finals in 2022. He stepped down after his contract expired following a controversial 2-1 loss to Portugal in the last 32. In his exit statement, he reflected: “I have not left anything to Uruguayan football.” The Croatian federation expressed gratitude, stating: “I’m not going to say what was discussed. That has to stay between us, as it should have from the very beginning.”
Ghana’s Changes
Carlos Queiroz was appointed on April 13, 2026, replacing Otto Addo after a series of poor results, including a 5-1 defeat to Austria. He resigned after Ghana’s elimination by Colombia in the last 32. In his farewell post, the 73-year-old stated: “When I took over, I didn’t dare dream that we’d achieve everything we have.” However, Ghana’s minister for sport, Koffi Adams, noted that he had “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.”
Germany’s Coaching Shift
Julian Nagelsmann took charge on September 22, 2023, after Hansi Flick’s dismissal following a 4-1 defeat to Japan. He departed after Germany’s surprising exit against Paraguay in the last 32, stating: “I leave this journey with pride in what we achieved.” Rudi Völler, sporting director of the German football association, remarked that Nagelsmann “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.” and expressed confidence in his future success elsewhere. Jürgen Klopp is being considered as a potential successor.
The Netherlands’ Coaching Changes
Ronald Koeman returned to the role on January 1, 2023, following Louis van Gaal’s retirement. He resigned after a penalty shootout defeat by Morocco in the last 32, facing criticism for his conservative tactics. He reflected.
“My top priority has always been the success of the team. After such a bitter disappointment, it deserves the chance of a new beginning.”
Marianne van Leeuwen from the Royal Dutch football association praised his dedication to the national team.
Sebastián Beccacece was appointed on August 1, 2024, to replace Félix Sánchez. Despite a strong record, including three victories in almost two years, his resignation followed a 2-0 loss to co-hosts Mexico in the last 32. He explained: “is and remains an excellent coach and I am convinced that he will continue to follow his path successfully” Beccacece acknowledged questions regarding his defensive style, stating: “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.” The Ecuadorian football federation thanked him for his “gave everything for the Dutch national team”
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