Ronald Koeman steps down as Netherlands head coach following disappointing exit from FIFA World Cup on penalties to Morocco in last 32 - 'It hurts'

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Ronald Koeman has stepped down as the Netherlands' head coach after four years in charge following their disappointing exit from the 2026 World Cup, where they were knocked out by Morocco in the round of 32.

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The Netherlands were defeated on penalties by Morocco after the game ended 1-1, with Koeman's side largely outplayed over the 120 minutes.

Their tactical approach was criticised by the Dutch media afterwards, with many suggesting the team was set up in a defensive manner.

Koeman had deflected any questions about his future in the immediate aftermath of the Morocco defeat, but he confirmed his second stint as manager of the Dutch national team had come to an end on Tuesday.

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"Looking back on my career, I feel especially proud and grateful," the 63-year-old wrote on Instagram. "I have had the privilege to work at Vitesse, Ajax, Benfica, PSV, Valencia, AZ, Feyenoord, Southampton, Everton, Barcelona and, of course, two periods at 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."

Koeman had previously coached the Netherlands from February 2018 until August 2020, when he left to manage Barcelona.

His second spell at the helm began four years ago following the last World Cup, when the Netherlands, led by Louis van Gaal, reached the quarter-finals.

At Euro 2024, the Netherlands reached the semi-finals, where they were dramatically beaten by England.

The Netherlands began their World Cup campaign in North America with a 2-2 draw against Japan, but eventually eased into the round of 32 following convincing victories over Sweden and Tunisia.

But a tough draw against African champions Morocco tested Koeman's side, and the Netherlands looked short-handed against a more energetic opponent.

Koeman added that he had left the post with "mixed feelings".

"Of course, I would have liked to end my time at Oranje with a world title. Unfortunately, that dream was left unfulfilled," he wrote. "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, successes and so on."

In his statement, Koeman appeared to suggest he could step away from coaching for good.

"Moreover, the past years have made me realise again that there are more important things than football," he said. "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 testimony to incredible strength. I appreciate her more than I’ll ever be able to put into words."

The Netherlands' director of football, Nigel de Jong, expressed his thanks to Koeman, and said the search for the next manager was already underway.

"Ronald has devoted himself wholeheartedly over the past few years, and has made a significant contribution to the Netherlands national team," he said.

"The evaluation that was scheduled after the World Cup is now underway. As part of that process, we will naturally also consider the vacancy for the position of head coach.

"Ronald stepping down after this World Cup was one of the scenarios we had anticipated. With the UEFA Nations League beginning in September, we know there is some urgency, but, at the same time, we will take the time necessary to make the right appointment with due care."

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