Six manager jobs up for grabs after 2026 FIFA World Cup shake-up including Netherlands and Scotland after Ronald Koeman and Steve Clarke step down
Published 01/07/2026 at 12:07 GMT+1
React to this story
The FIFA World Cup is the ultimate reckoning for a manager. A deep run can see them immortalised, while an early exit can have them cast as a villain. You do not even need to win the World Cup to become a national hero.Â
Van Dijk
Image credit: Getty Images
When Gareth Southgate guided an unfancied England side to the World Cup semi-finals, his waistcoat became the fashion statement of the summer and fans serenaded him across the country to the tune of Atomic Kitten. There is even a play and a TV drama documenting that summer in Russia in 2018.Â
But disappointment on the world stage can cost you your job. Some seven managers have left their post since the start of the World Cup on June 11, six after a disappointing exit, the other after just ONE game.Â
Tunisia sensationally sacked Sabri Lamouchi following the side’s 5-1 defeat to Sweden in their opening game, making him the first manager in history to be sacked after just one World Cup encounter.Â
While he was swiftly replaced by Herve Renard - who then oversaw a 4-0 defeat to Japan and a 3-1 loss to the Netherlands - there are six other World Cup international jobs still up for grabs.
Netherlands
Ronald Koeman resigned as Netherlands manager after his side were knocked out by Morocco in a last-32 penalty shootout, after a 1-1 draw in Monterrey.
The 63-year-old stepped down from his second spell as Netherlands boss, and hinted that his managerial career could be over after his wife, Bartina, was diagnosed with breast cancer.
He said on Instagram: "Looking back on my career, I feel especially proud. I have worked with clubs and people that shaped me and gave me memories that I will cherish for a lifetime.
/origin-imgresizer.tntsports.io/2026/07/01/image-3377e743-771a-4c04-af17-c8b62805da2c.jpeg)
Ronald Koeman left his post after defeat to Morocco
Image credit: Getty Images
"We all dreamed of a World Cup in which we would write history. That didn't work out. No-one is more disappointed about that than me.
"The past years have made me realise again that there are more important things than football.
"Football has been my life, but health is priceless. When someone you love is fighting a tough battle, your perspective changes."
Scotland
Steve Clarke stepped down as Scotland boss when it was confirmed his side had not made it out of the group stage.Â
The 62-year-old was awarded with a new four-year deal in June, after becoming the first Scotland manager to lead the nation to three major finals.
However, they exited the World Cup after losing to Brazil and Morocco - following a 1-0 win over Haiti - meaning they have never reached the knockout stages of a major tournament.Â
"The most emotional part of this goodbye is for my players, without whom we wouldn't have had any of the memories that we've accumulated from 2019 until now," said Clarke.
"They deserve all the praise and adulation that they receive and it was truly an honour to be called their gaffer. Thanks for having me and good luck to my successor."
/origin-imgresizer.tntsports.io/2026/06/25/image-b1ea67e1-fb0b-4aa0-a9e0-415be46ef8c4-85-2560-1440.jpeg)
Scotland 'probably going home', admits Clarke after Brazil loss
Video credit: SNTV
South Korea
Hong Myung-bo resigned as South Korea boss after they failed to advance to the knockout stage, following defeats to Mexico and South Africa.
The early exit prompted widespread criticism at home, with the country’s President Lee Jae Myung calling for an investigation into reasons behind the team's performance.
Writing on X, President Lee said that he felt "not just confusion but utter bewilderment at the unexpected outcome", adding that the team’s early exit "appears to be a failure of organisation and personnel".
Meanwhile, Hong apologised to fans and said the responsibility "rests entirely with me as head coach".
Czechia
Miroslav Koubek left his position as Czechia boss after his side finished bottom of their group with a solitary point.Â
Czechia, who were playing at their first World Cup since 2006, lost their opener to South Korea before drawing with South Africa and losing to co-hosts Mexico.
Koubek said: "After the failure, for which I bear joint responsibility as head coach, after considering all the circumstances, I have come to the conclusion that I will offer my position to the president of the FACR, David Trund.
"After mutual debate and consultation, the president accepted my proposal. The consequence is the termination of my work with the national team.
"A media campaign based on a series of half-truths and fabrications against me also contributed to my decision. In this atmosphere, my work for the Czech national team would no longer make sense.”
- Mbappe scores twice as France sweep past Sweden to reach last 16
- World Cup 2026: Golden Boot race latest standings
Uruguay
Marcelo Bielsa confirmed his resignation as Uruguay coach after a World Cup campaign that saw the two-time winners lose to Spain and draw against Saudi Arabia and Cape Verde.
Bielsa announced his departure during a fiery marathon press conference.Â
”What I have absolute certainty of is that nobody cares what I know,” Bielsa said, via The Athletic.
”I know when someone cares what I know. Nothing I tried to transmit was important, at any level. That was never important from my point of view. I don’t see anything bad in it - other people aren’t interested in learning what I know. Case closed.
”Nobody was interested in what I transmitted, I don’t have the smallest doubt of that.”
Ecuador
Sebastian Beccacece left his role as Ecuador manager after their last-32 exit to Mexico.
Ecuador had beaten Germany 2-1 in their final group match, but were knocked out 2-0 by the co-hosts.
"Our contract ended with the World Cup," said Beccacece. "I don't think we were able to achieve the feat we promised: to make this the best World Cup ever. It's my turn to say goodbye.
"That's why I have to leave. I would have liked to continue because what I received from the players and the management warranted the possibility of continuing. But I understand how this works and it hurts, but I think the decision was clear."
Add TNT Sports as a preferred source here to enjoy more content like this.
Stream the Premier League, Men’s and Women’s FA Cup, UEFA Champions League, UEFA Europa League, UEFA Conference League and more on TNT Sports and HBO Max.
Advertisement
Advertisement