Ronald Koeman resigns as the Netherlands coach after an unsuccessful performance at the 2026 World Cup
Ronald Koeman resigned as the Netherlands coach after being eliminated from the 2026 World Cup. The decision came after players who missed penalties were subjected to racist attacks online.
Ronald Koeman announced his resignation as coach of the Netherlands national team after his team was eliminated from the 2026 World Cup. The information came on the day when it was revealed that Dutch players who missed penalties were exposed to racist attacks on the Internet. The Netherlands lost to Morocco on penalties after a 1-1 draw in Monterrey. Justin Kluivert, Quinten Timber and Crysencio Summerville missed their tries, sparking a wave of hateful comments on social media, according to the Royal Netherlands Football Association (KNVB).
Koeman, who is 63, has decided to end his second term in office, suggesting it could be the end of his coaching career. He wrote on his Instagram: "Looking back at my career, I feel particularly proud. I worked with clubs and people who shaped me and gave me memories that I will cherish throughout my life. We all dreamed of a World Cup where we would make history. It didn't happen. No one is more disappointed than me. The last few years have made me realize that there are things more important than football. Football was my life, but health is priceless. When someone you love is fighting a difficult battle. illness, your perspective changes.
Koeman's wife, Bartina, is struggling with breast cancer. Meanwhile, the KNVB announced that it would seek to bring criminal charges against people who insulted the players. “We find this outrageous,” the union said. "Once the report is submitted, legal staff will assess whether the statement constitutes a punishable offense. This may result in a formal complaint being filed with the Public Prosecutor's Office, which may then initiate a criminal investigation."
A similar situation occurred when English players Marcus Rashford, Bukayo Saka and Jadon Sancho experienced hate after missing penalties in the 2021 European Championship final against Italy, leading to two people being sent to prison and one receiving a suspended sentence.
Koeman, whose contract was about to expire, decided it was a good time to leave. His decision was partly motivated by a desire to spend more time with his wife. His first term in charge began in 2018 and was considered a success as he brought in players such as Frenkie de Jong and won Nations League matches against France and Germany. The Netherlands qualified for the Euro, but it was postponed. After returning to the role of coach of the Netherlands, Koeman found it difficult to convince him of his vision. During the match against Morocco, he decided to play with five defenders, which was unusual and required a lot of adaptation. His second term never gained momentum, despite drawing twice with Spain in the Nations League. It's the biggest disappointment that we couldn't reach that level again.
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