A total of twelve national team head coaches have either been dismissed or chosen to step down from their positions following their recent tournament campaigns, as reported by The Guardian.
Coaches from Africa and Europe
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.
"We have our pride. We need to react," Lamouchi said after the game.
The Tunisian FA released a statement regarding the decision: "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.
Renard announced his resignation just 18 days after stepping into the role and failing to improve Tunisia’s World Cup fortunes, with the side setting a record for goals conceded in the group stage with 12.
"It was an honour to wear Tunisia’s colours and to live this unforgettable experience," Renard said in an Instagram post.
Meanwhile, 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.
"I came with the objective of winning the World Cup and because I haven’t won, it wouldn’t make sense to continue," Martínez said.
Exits in South Korea, Czechia, and Scotland
Hong Myung-bo returned for a second go-around on 8 July 2024 after an initial year-long stint 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.
"The position of head coach is one in which responsibility is so great that no explanation is necessary when the results fall short," Hong read from a prepared statement.
South Korea’s president, Lee Jae-myung, rebuked the appointment: "If an incapable person is appointed as a leader, the outcome is as predictable as fire."
In 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.
Koubek stepped down on 29 June by mutual agreement after the team finished bottom of their group.
"A media campaign based on a series of half-truths and fabrications against me also contributed to my decision," Koubek said in an official statement.
David Trunda, chair of the Czech FA, expressed gratitude for Koubek getting the team to the finals: "He deserves my sincere respect and thanks."
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.
"One element that has given me the greatest satisfaction is witnessing the reconnection of our national team and our fans," Clarke said in an open letter to supporters.
The SFA chief executive, Ian Maxwell, commented on the departure: "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 and Croatia Part Ways with Managers
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.
"I have not left anything to Uruguayan football," Bielsa said in a regretful 100-minute press conference. Bielsa held a meeting to bid farewell to his players.
"I’m not going to say what was discussed.
That has to stay between us, as it should have from the very beginning," defender Sebastián Cáceres said regarding the meeting.
Zlatko Dalic was appointed on 7 October 2017 and took Croatia to the 2018 World Cup final and 2022 semi-finals.
As 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.
"When I took over, I didn’t dare dream that we’d achieve everything we have," Dalic said in a statement confirming his exit.
The Croatian federation issued a formal response: "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."
Changes in Ghana, Germany, Netherlands, and Ecuador
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.
Queiroz stepped down when Ghana were eliminated by Colombia in the last 32.
"I leave this journey with pride in what we achieved," the 73-year-old’s social media post read.
However, the minister for sport and recreation, Koffi Adams, raised issues over the announcement: "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."
Julian Naglesmann was appointed 22 September 2023 to replace Hansi Flick, who was sacked after a 4–1 defeat by Japan.
Naglesmann left after the shock exit against Paraguay in the last 32.
"My top priority has always been the success of the team. After such a bitter disappointment, it deserves the chance of a new beginning," Naglesmann said.
Rudi Vӧller, the German football association’s sporting director, discussed the manager's status: Nagelsmann "is and remains an excellent coach and I am convinced that he will continue to follow his path successfully," Vӧller said, noting it would not be with Germany as Jürgen Klopp is in line for the job.
Ronald Koeman returned for a second spell on 1 January 2023, after Louis van Gaal’s retirement.
Koeman resigned after the shootout defeat by Morocco in the last 32, where he faced criticism for his cautious approach.
"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," Koeman said.
Marianne van Leeuwen of the Royal Dutch football association stated that Koeman "gave everything for the Dutch national team."
Sebastián Beccacece was appointed 1 August 2024 to replace Félix Sánchez.
He lost three matches in almost two years, and while the defeat of Germany led to a national holiday, losing 2–0 to the co-hosts Mexico in the last 32 led to his resignation.
"Our contract ended with the World Cup," Beccacece explained.
Questions were raised around his defensive style, which the manager openly addressed: "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" as his tenure concluded.
