Koeman resigns as Netherlands head coach after World Cup exit

Ronald Koeman has decided to resign as head coach of the Netherlands men's national football team, according to an announcement by British football news outlet "The Touchline" on Tuesday. The decision comes after the Dutch side lost to Morocco in a penalty shootout in the first round of the knockout stage of the World Cup on Monday.

Regular time ended 1-1, and extra time produced no goals. Morocco prevailed 3-2 in the penalty shootout and will face Canada in the Round of 16.

The 63-year-old Koeman returned to the Netherlands bench in 2023. He had previously coached the national team from 2018 to 2020, leaving to take charge of Barcelona. During his first stint, the Netherlands finished runners-up in the 2018/19 UEFA Nations League and qualified for Euro 2021, ending a drought of major tournament appearances.

Koeman's tenure at Barcelona lasted just over a year, ending with his dismissal in October 2021. His coaching career also includes spells at Everton, Southampton, Ajax, Benfica, Valencia, PSV, AZ, and Feyenoord, and he has won the Dutch league title three times.

As a player, Koeman operated as a defender and midfielder for Groningen, Ajax, PSV, Barcelona, and Feyenoord. He earned 78 caps for the Netherlands, scoring 14 goals, and was part of the team that won Euro 1988.

This World Cup is the first to feature 48 teams, hosted across Mexico, the United States, and Canada. The group stage ends on June 27, with knockout rounds starting June 28. The semifinals are scheduled for July 14 and 15, the third-place match for July 18, and the final for July 19. Argentina defeated France on penalties in the 2022 final.