Thirteen coaches have been sacked or walked away from their national teams after the World Cup, representing 27% of the tournament's managers. The list includes high-profile names such as Roberto Martínez, Marcelo Bielsa, Julian Nagelsmann, and Steve Clarke.
Tunisia
Sabri Lamouchi was appointed on 14 January to succeed Sami Trabelsi after Tunisia lost on penalties to Mali in the last 16 of the Africa Cup of Nations. He was sacked after Tunisia lost 5-1 to Sweden in their opening group match. Lamouchi said: “We have our pride. We need to react.” The Tunisian FA 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.”
Hervé Renard was appointed on 16 June to succeed Lamouchi. He resigned just 18 days after stepping into the role, failing to improve Tunisia’s World Cup fortunes, with the side setting a record for goals conceded in the group stage with 12. Renard said in an Instagram post: “It was an honour to wear Tunisia’s colours and to live this unforgettable experience.”
Portugal
Roberto Martínez was appointed on 9 January 2023 to succeed Fernando Santos after Portugal’s 1–0 loss to Morocco in the 2022 World Cup quarter-finals. His exit was confirmed after Portugal were eliminated by Spain in the last 16. Martínez said: “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 returned for a second stint on 8 July 2024 after an initial year-long spell in which South Korea went winless at the 2014 World Cup. He resigned amid scathing criticism after South Korea lost to Mexico and South Africa, and endured a painful wait before confirmation of their exit. 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 was hired on 19 December 2025 after Ivan Hasek failed to qualify automatically and led Czechia through the playoffs to a first World Cup since 2006. He stepped down on 29 June by mutual agreement after the team finished bottom of their group. Koubek said in an official statement: “A media campaign based on a series of half-truths and fabrications against me also contributed to my decision.” David Trunda, chair of the Czech FA, expressed gratitude for Koubek getting the team to the finals: “He deserves my sincere respect and thanks.”
Scotland
Steve Clarke was appointed on 20 May 2019 and became the first men’s head coach to lead Scotland to three major tournaments. He resigned after their World Cup exit was confirmed by their failure to finish among the eight best third-placed teams. Clarke said in an open letter to supporters: “One element that has given me the greatest satisfaction is witnessing the reconnection of our national team and our fans.” The 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, which hasn’t helped, but ultimately it is up to Steve.”
Uruguay
Marcelo Bielsa took the post on 15 May 2023 in the wake of Uruguay’s poor performance at the 2022 World Cup and immediately made waves by calling up 14 uncapped players in place of veterans. He stepped down after Uruguay’s group-stage exit saw the expiration of his three-year contract with the federation. Bielsa said in a regretful 100-minute press conference: “I have not left anything to Uruguayan football.” He held a meeting to bid farewell to his players, of which the defender Sebastián Cáceres said: “I’m not going to say what was discussed. That has to stay between us, as it should have from the very beginning.”
Croatia
Zlatko Dalic was appointed on 7 October 2017; he took Croatia to the 2018 World Cup final and 2022 semi-finals. The longest-serving coach of Croatia and of those on this list, he stepped down as his contract expired after Croatia’s controversial 2-1 loss to Portugal in the last 32. Dalic said in a statement confirming his exit: “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, the unity, the respect, and your unwavering commitment to fight for Croatia.”
Ghana
Carlos Queiroz was hired on 13 April 2026 to replace Otto Addo, who was sacked after a poor run including a 5–1 friendly defeat by Austria. He stepped down when Ghana were eliminated by Colombia in the last 32. The 73-year-old’s social media post read: “I leave this journey with pride in what we achieved.” However, the minister for sport and recreation, 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
Julian Nagelsmann was appointed on 22 September 2023 to replace Hansi Flick, who was sacked after a 4–1 defeat by Japan. He left after the shock exit against Paraguay in the last 32, saying: “My top priority has always been the success of the team. After such a bitter disappointment, it deserves the chance of a new beginning.” Rudi Völler, the German football association’s sporting director, said Nagelsmann “is and remains an excellent coach and I am convinced that he will continue to follow his path successfully” – just not with Germany. Jürgen Klopp is in line for the job.
Mexico
Javier Aguirre’s third spell in charge started in July 2024 and ended with a World Cup classic at the Azteca, England winning the last-16 meeting 3-2 and Aguirre going viral for an exchange of views with Anthony Gordon. The 67-year-old won a Gold Cup and Nations League last year but it was not all sweetness and light. In November 2024 he was left with blood streaming from a head wound after being hit by a full can of beer in the wake of a 2-0 defeat by Honduras. Before handing the reins to his assistant Rafael Márquez last weekend, Aguirre said: “I would have liked to say goodbye to my people with a victory – for everyone to be satisfied. It hurts. It hurts a lot … but well, I don’t have many more words. I’m not going to make excuses; a loss is a loss.”
Netherlands
Ronald Koeman returned for a second spell on 1 January 2023, after Louis van Gaal’s retirement. He resigned after the shootout defeat by Morocco in the last 32, where he was 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 Royal Dutch football association said he “gave everything for the Dutch national team”.
Ecuador
Sebastián Beccacece was appointed on 1 August 2024 to replace Félix Sánchez. He lost three matches in almost two years and the defeat of Germany led to a national holiday, but losing 2–0 to the co-hosts Mexico in the last 32 led to his resignation. He explained: “Our contract ended with the World Cup.” Questions were raised around his defensive style, which Beccacece alluded to: “For the fans who don’t know me, I think I didn’t quite click with them.” The Ecuadorian football federation thanked him for his “commitment, dedication and professionalism throughout this cycle”.
