Twelve coaches have departed their national team positions since the World Cup, accounting for roughly a quarter of the tournament’s managerial contingent. The exits include sackings after heavy defeats, resignations amid public criticism and natural contract expirations, underscoring the precarious nature of international management.
Tunisia’s Turbulent Transition
Tunisia endured particular instability, changing managers twice during the campaign. Sabri Lamouchi was sacked following a 5-1 defeat to Sweden in their opening group match, having only been appointed in January. The Tunisian Football Federation announced the termination by mutual agreement. Lamouchi said after the match: “We have our pride. We need to react.”
Hervé Renard replaced Lamouchi on 16 June but lasted just 18 days before resigning. Renard announced his decision on Instagram, writing: “It was an honour to wear Tunisia’s colours and to live this unforgettable experience.”
Resignations Under Pressure
Several coaches stepped down following scathing domestic criticism. In South Korea, Hong Myung-bo resigned after his side lost to Mexico and South Africa, reading 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.” The country’s president, Lee Jae-myung, publicly rebuked the appointment process, stating: “If an incapable person is appointed as a leader, the outcome is as predictable as fire.”
Steve Clarke resigned from Scotland after their elimination was confirmed, marking the end of a tenure that had brought the nation to three major tournaments. Clarke wrote in an open letter: “One element that has given me the greatest satisfaction is witnessing the reconnection of our national team and our fans.”
Czechia’s Miroslav Koubek stepped down by mutual agreement after his team finished bottom of their group, but cited external hostility in his departure. He stated: “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 guiding the team to their first World Cup since 2006.
Contract Ends and Contested Exits
Marcelo Bielsa’s three-year contract with Uruguay expired naturally following their group-stage exit. The Argentine held a 100-minute farewell press conference, insisting: “I have not left anything to Uruguayan football.”
Zlatko Dalic also left Croatia after his contract expired following their last-32 elimination by Portugal. Dalic, the longest-serving coach on the list having led Croatia to the 2018 final and 2022 semi-finals, said: “When I took over, I didn’t dare dream that we’d achieve everything we have.”
Roberto Martínez left Portugal after their elimination by Spain, explaining: “I came with the objective of winning the World Cup and because I haven’t won, it wouldn’t make sense to continue.”
In Africa, Ghana’s Carlos Queiroz announced his departure on social media after elimination by Colombia, writing: “I leave this journey with pride in what we achieved.” However, the country’s minister for sport and recreation, Koffi Adams, disputed the resignation, stating he “had not received any resignation letter from the FA” and noting that Queiroz “wasn’t appointed on social media, so I don’t think that he resigned via social media.”