Thirteen national team coaches have been sacked or resigned after the 2026 World Cup, representing 27% of the 48 participating teams. The list includes high-profile names such as Marcelo Bielsa (Uruguay), Julian Nagelsmann (Germany), and Roberto Martínez (Portugal), each leaving under different circumstances ranging from mutual agreement to public criticism.
Tunisia: A Rapid Turnover
Sabri Lamouchi was appointed on 14 January to succeed Sami Trabelsi after Tunisia lost to Mali in the Africa Cup of Nations last 16. He was sacked after a 5-1 defeat to Sweden in their opening group match. Lamouchi stated: "We have our pride. We need to react." The Tunisian FA announced the termination "by mutual agreement." Hervé Renard replaced him on 16 June but resigned just 18 days later after Tunisia conceded a record 12 goals in the group stage. Renard wrote on Instagram: "It was an honour to wear Tunisia’s colours."
Portugal: Martínez Steps Down
Roberto Martínez was appointed on 9 January 2023 after Portugal’s quarter-final loss to Morocco in 2022. He exited after Portugal were eliminated by Spain in the last 16. Martínez explained: "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: Hong Myung-bo Resigns Under Fire
Hong Myung-bo returned for a second stint on 8 July 2024. He resigned after South Korea lost to Mexico and South Africa, with their exit confirmed only after a painful wait. Hong read from 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 rebuked: "If an incapable person is appointed as a leader, the outcome is as predictable as fire."
Czechia: Miroslav Koubek Steps Down
Miroslav Koubek was hired on 19 December 2025 after Ivan Hasek failed to qualify automatically. He led Czechia to their first World Cup since 2006 but stepped down on 29 June by mutual agreement after finishing bottom of their group. Koubek cited "a media campaign based on a series of half-truths and fabrications." Czech FA chair David Trunda expressed gratitude for Koubek's role in reaching the finals.
Scotland: Steve Clarke Resigns
Steve Clarke, appointed on 20 May 2019, became the first men’s head coach to lead Scotland to three major tournaments. He resigned after Scotland failed to finish among the eight best third-placed teams. In an open letter, Clarke said: "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 added: "He made up his mind that he wanted to step down. There has been some fairly hysterical commentary back home."
Uruguay: Bielsa Departs After Group-Stage Exit
Marcelo Bielsa took the post on 15 May 2023 and immediately called up 14 uncapped players. He stepped down after Uruguay’s group-stage exit, letting his three-year contract expire. In a 100-minute press conference, Bielsa said: "I have not left anything to Uruguayan football." Defender Sebastián Cáceres declined to discuss the farewell meeting: "That has to stay between us."
Croatia: Dalic Ends Long Tenure
Zlatko Dalic, appointed on 7 October 2017, led Croatia to the 2018 final and 2022 semi-finals. He stepped down after a controversial 2-1 loss to Portugal in the last 32. Dalic stated: "When I took over, I didn’t dare dream that we’d achieve everything we have." The Croatian federation replied: "Thank you for everything – the victories, the achievements, the qualifying berths, the medals."
Ghana: Queiroz Resigns via Social Media
Carlos Queiroz was hired on 13 April 2026 to replace Otto Addo. He stepped down after Ghana were eliminated by Colombia in the last 32. His social media post read: "I leave this journey with pride in what we achieved." However, sport minister Koffi Adams revealed he "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."
Germany: Nagelsmann Leaves After Shock Exit
Julian Nagelsmann was appointed on 22 September 2023 after Hansi Flick was sacked. He left after Germany’s shock exit against Paraguay in the last 32. Nagelsmann said: "My top priority has always been the success of the team. After such a bitter disappointment, it deserves the chance of a new beginning." Sporting director Rudi Völler called Nagelsmann "an excellent coach" but confirmed he would not continue with Germany. Jürgen Klopp is in line for the job.
Mexico: Aguirre's Third Spell Ends
Javier Aguirre started his third spell in July 2024. It ended with a last-16 loss to England, 3-2, and a viral exchange with Anthony Gordon. Aguirre, 67, won a Gold Cup and Nations League last year but was hit by a beer can after a 2-0 defeat to Honduras. Before handing over to assistant Rafael Márquez, Aguirre said: "I would have liked to say goodbye with a victory … It hurts. It hurts a lot."
Netherlands: Koeman Resigns After Shootout Defeat
Ronald Koeman returned for a second spell on 1 January 2023. He resigned after a shootout defeat to Morocco in the last 32, criticised for his cautious approach. Koeman said: "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." Marianne van Leeuwen of the KNVB said he "gave everything for the Dutch national team."
Ecuador: Beccacece Resigns
Sebastián Beccacece was appointed on 1 August 2024. He lost three matches in almost two years and a win over Germany led to a national holiday, but a 2-0 loss to Mexico in the last 32 prompted his resignation. He explained: "Our contract ended with the World Cup." He alluded to questions about his defensive style: "For the fans who don’t know me, I think I didn’t quite click with them." The Ecuadorian federation thanked him for his "commitment, dedication and professionalism."
