Miroslav Koubek has resigned as head coach of the Czech national football team by mutual consent, just days after the team's early exit from the World Cup. The 68-year-old manager, who took charge in December 2025, oversaw a dismal campaign in Group A, where Czechia managed only one point from matches against South Korea, South Africa, and Mexico.
Underwhelming World Cup Performance
Czechia's World Cup journey ended prematurely after they collected just a single point in the group stage. The team lost to South Korea and Mexico, and drew with South Africa, finishing bottom of the group. Midfielder Tomas Soucek also suffered a serious injury during the Mexico match, damaging his knee and ankle, and left North America on crutches.
Koubek had secured World Cup qualification through two penalty shootout victories over Denmark and the Republic of Ireland in the play-offs. However, after barely six months in charge, he announced his resignation, criticizing what he described as a media campaign of 'half-truths' against him.
Resignation Statement
In his resignation statement, Koubek said: 'After the failure at the World Championship, 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.'
He added: 'In this atmosphere, my work for the Czech national team would no longer make sense. I would like to thank the chairman David Trund and the FACR Executive Committee for the trust they have placed in me. I would also like to thank Pavel Nedved for his cooperation, all members of the implementation team and employees of the Football Association of the Czech Republic for their enormous commitment and, above all, the players. It was a great honour for me to lead the Czech national team.'
Other Managerial Changes
Koubek's departure follows the resignation of South Korea boss Hong Myung-bo, whose team defeated Czechia 2-1 in the tournament's opening match but then lost to Mexico and South Africa, ending their knockout stage hopes. Earlier in the tournament, Tunisia manager Henryk Kasperczak was sacked after a 5-1 thrashing by Sweden, following just one World Cup fixture.
