Soccer
Ronald Koeman has resigned in the wake of the Netherlands’ World Cup elimination at the hands of Morocco.
The Netherlands lost 3-2 on penalties after a 1-1 draw in an enthralling round of 32 contest at Estadio Monterrey.
Cody Gakpo put the Oranje ahead in the 72nd minute, but Issa Diop forced extra time with a late header.
Neil El Aynaoui, Justin Kluivert, Quinten Timber and Achraf Hakimi all failed to finish their spot-kicks, but the decisive miss came from Crysencio Summerville.
Ismael Saibari, who plays for Dutch giants PSV but seems set to join Bayern Munich, stepped up to send Morocco through to the last 16.
The Netherlands have now been knocked out of the World Cup on penalties in each of their last three participations, and Koeman has decided to end his stint in charge.
“Last night I took the decision to end my stint as head coach of the Dutch national team,” Koeman posted on social media on Tuesday.
“Looking back on my career, I feel especially proud and grateful. I have had the privilege to work at Vitesse, Ajax, Benfica, PSV, Valencia, AZ, Feyenoord, Southampton, Everton, Barcelona and, of course, two periods [in charge of the] Oranje. Clubs and people that shaped me and gave me memories that I will cherish for a lifetime.
“That’s why it hurts that my period at Oranje ends like that. 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. As a head coach, you carry that responsibility. I have always felt that, and I will always continue to feel that.”
Morocco went for it while the Dutch went with a very un-Dutch defensive formation and it showed: pic.twitter.com/0LJH2zcqbo
— Opta Analyst (@OptaAnalyst) June 30, 2026
Koeman’s wife has been suffering from breast cancer, and it seems as though the 63-year-old could well step away from the game.
He added: “Moreover, 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.
“My wife Bartina has supported and encouraged me every day to finish my work as a national coach, despite her own illness process. That is a testimony to incredible strength. I appreciate her more than I’ll ever be able to put into words.
“I want to thank all the players I had the pleasure to work with. Your efforts, character and confidence have motivated me every day. Thanks also to my staff, the KNVB, all the employees behind the scenes and the clubs I’ve worked with. But above all, thanks to the supporters. For being supportive even in times when it was difficult. It was a great honour to be able to represent the Netherlands as a head coach.
“Saying goodbye to mixed feelings. Of course, I would have liked to end my time at Oranje with a world title. Unfortunately, that dream was left unfulfilled. But above all, pride prevails. Proud of everything football has brought me, the people I’ve met and the fact that I’ve been able to make my biggest passion my profession.
“Thank you for all those years of trust, criticism, support, disappointments and successes.”
Koeman had two stints in charge of the Netherlands, either side of his time at Barcelona.
He led the Netherlands to a runners-up finish in the 2019 Nations League finals and semi-finals at Euro 2024.
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