Dutch media outlets have indicated that Ronald Koeman has decided to step down as head coach of the Netherlands national team following the Oranje’s elimination from the 2026 World Cup Round of 32 against Morocco on penalties.
This marked Koeman’s second tenure with the Netherlands. He first took charge in 2018, guiding the team through a period of rebuilding before departing in 2020 to manage FC Barcelona. He then returned to lead the Dutch squad in January 2023 to continue his project.
Although Koeman’s contract with the Netherlands runs until the end of July, and despite the Dutch Football Association’s (KNVB) openness to extending his stay, the manager believes this chapter has come to an end and will look for a new challenge in his career.
Under his leadership, the Netherlands reached the semi-finals of Euro 2024, which was the team’s best performance at a major tournament since the 2014 World Cup, when Louis van Gaal’s squad finished third in Brazil.
Speculation about Koeman’s potential departure had been circulating since early 2026, and those rumors have now been confirmed. The identity of his successor remains unknown, but a decision must be made before next September, when the Oranje begin their UEFA Nations League campaign.
In his second stint, the 63-year-old coach managed the Netherlands in 40 matches, securing 24 wins, suffering 11 defeats, and drawing 9 times.
