Exit strategies: how and why 25% of World Cup coaches have left their jobs

Tunisia

Sabri Lamouchi 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. Sacked after Tunisia lost 5-1 to Sweden in their opening group match. Said after the game: “We have our pride. We need to react.” The Tunisian FA said: “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 Appointed on 16 June to succeed Lamouchi. 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. Said in an Instagram post: “It was an honour to wear Tunisia’s colours and to live this unforgettable experience.”

Portugal

Roberto Martínez Appointed 9 January 2023 to succeed Fernando Santos after Portugal’s 1–0 loss to Morocco in the 2022 World Cup quarter-finals. Exit confirmed after Portugal were eliminated by Spain in the last 16. Martínez said: “I came with the objective of winning the World Cup and because I haven’t won, it wouldn’t make sense to continue.”

South Korea

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. Resigned amid scathing criticism after South Korea lost to Mexico and South Africa, and endured a painful wait before confirmation of their exit. Read from a prepared statement: “The position of head coach is one in which responsibility is so great that no explanation is necessary when the results fall short.” South Korea’s president, Lee Jae-myung, rebuked: “If an incapable person is appointed as a leader, the outcome is as predictable as fire.”

Czechia

Miroslav Koubek 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. Stepped down on 29 June by mutual agreement after team finished bottom of their group. Said in an official statement: “A media campaign based on a series of half-truths and fabrications against me also contributed to my decision.” David Trunda, chair of the Czech FA, expressed gratitude for Koubek getting the team to the finals: “He deserves my sincere respect and thanks.”

Scotland

Steve Clarke Appointed on 20 May 2019 and became the first men’s head coach to lead Scotland to three major tournaments. Resigned after their World Cup exit was confirmed by their failure to finish among the eight-best third-placed teams. Said in an open letter to supporters: “One element that has given me the greatest satisfaction is witnessing the reconnection of our national team and our fans.” The SFA chief executive, Ian Maxwell, added: “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

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. Stepped down after Uruguay’s group-stage exit saw the expiration of his three-year contract with the federation. Said in a regretful 100-minute press conference: “I have not left anything to Uruguayan football.” Held a meeting to bid farewell to his players, of which the defender Sebastián Cáceres said: “I’m not going to say what was discussed. That has to stay between us, as it should have from the very beginning.”

Croatia

Zlatko Dalic Appointed on 7 October 2017; took Croatia to the 2018 World Cup final and 2022 semi-finals. 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. Said in a statement confirming his exit: “When I took over, I didn’t dare dream that we’d achieve everything we have.” The Croatian federation replied: “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.”

Ghana

Carlos Queiroz Hired on 13 April 2026 to replace Otto Addo, who was sacked after a poor run including a 5–1 friendly defeat by Austria. Stepped down when Ghana were eliminated by Colombia in the last 32. The 73-year-old’s social media post read: “I leave this journey with pride in what we achieved.” However, the minister for sport and recreation, Koffi Adams, revealed he “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.”

Germany

Julian Naglesmann Appointed 22 September 2023 to replace Hansi Flick, who was sacked after a 4–1 defeat by Japan. Left after the shock exit against Paraguay in the last 32, saying: “My top priority has always been the success of the team. After such a bitter disappointment, it deserves the chance of a new beginning.” Rudi Vӧller, the German football association’s sporting director, said Nagelsmann “is and remains an excellent coach and I am convinced that he will continue to follow his path successfully” – just not with Germany. Jürgen Klopp is in line for the job.

The Netherlands

Ronald Koeman Returned for a second spell on 1 January 2023, after Louis van Gaal’s retirement. Resigned after the shootout defeat by Morocco in the last 32, where he was criticised for his cautious approach. Said: “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.” Marianne van Leeuwen of the Royal Dutch football association said he “gave everything for the Dutch national team”.

Ecuador

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