After the curtain fell on the 2026 FIFA World Cup, several national teams wasted little time making changes in the dugout, with disappointing performances prompting sackings, resignations and mutual departures. From high-profile names such as Ronald Koeman, Roberto Martínez and Rudi Garcia to long-serving managers like Zlatko Dalić, Steve Clarke……
After the curtain fell on the 2026 FIFA World Cup, several national teams wasted little time making changes in the dugout, with disappointing performances prompting sackings, resignations and mutual departures.
From high-profile names such as Ronald Koeman, Roberto Martínez and Rudi Garcia to long-serving managers like Zlatko Dalić, Steve Clarke and Marcelo Bielsa, at least 17 national team coaches have left their positions during or after the 2026 World Cup.
Here is the complete list and the circumstances surrounding each departure.
1. Didier Deschamps – France
Reason: Stepped down after the World Cup.
Outcome: Ended a remarkable 14-year spell in charge of France after the tournament, having led Les Bleus to the 2018 World Cup title, the 2022 World Cup final and the 2026 semi-finals. His departure had been expected before the competition.
2. Roberto Martínez – Portugal
Reason: Resigned.
Outcome: Left his role after Portugal’s Round of 16 elimination to Spain, ending a four-year stint in charge.
3. Zlatko Dalić – Croatia
Reason: Stepped down.
Outcome: Ended his nine-year tenure after Croatia’s Round of 32 exit against Portugal. Dalić leaves as one of Croatia’s most successful coaches, having guided them to the 2018 World Cup final and the 2022 third-place finish.
4. Javier Aguirre – Mexico
Reason: Resigned.
Outcome: Stepped down after hosts Mexico were knocked out by England in the Round of 16.
5. Ronald Koeman – Netherlands
Reason: Left his position.
Outcome: Departed after the Netherlands suffered a Round of 32 exit from the expanded tournament.
6. Miroslav Koubek – Czechia
Reason: Stepped down.
Outcome: Left following Czechia’s group-stage elimination.
7. Pape Thiaw – Senegal
Reason: Contract terminated.
Outcome: Became one of the few managers officially dismissed after Senegal exited the tournament.
8. Rudi Garcia – Belgium
Reason: Contract not renewed.
Outcome: Belgium reached the quarter-finals before losing to eventual champions Spain, but the Royal Belgian FA opted against extending Garcia’s contract beyond July 31, 2026. He subsequently left the role.
9. Carlos Queiroz – Ghana
Reason: Resigned.
Outcome: Left after Ghana were eliminated in the Round of 32.
Read Also: Spain Receive Hero’s Welcome After World Cup Triumph
10. Jamal Sellami – Jordan
Reason: Left his position.
Outcome: Departed after Jordan’s early elimination from the tournament.
11. Sergej Barbarez – Bosnia and Herzegovina
Reason: Left after the World Cup.
Outcome: Departed following Bosnia and Herzegovina’s campaign.
12. Steve Clarke – Scotland
Reason: Stepped down.
Outcome: Ended his tenure after Scotland’s World Cup campaign concluded.
13. Tony Popovic – Australia
Reason: Left his role.
Outcome: Departed after Australia’s exit from the competition.
14. Julen Lopetegui – Qatar
Reason: Dismissed.
Outcome: Left following Qatar’s disappointing World Cup campaign.
15. Sébastien Migné – Haiti
Reason: Left after the tournament.
Outcome: Ended his spell in charge following Haiti’s World Cup exit.
16. Mohamed Ouahbi – Morocco
Reason: Left his position.
Outcome: Departed after Morocco’s campaign ended.
17. Murat Yakin – Switzerland
Reason: Stepped down.
Outcome: Left after Switzerland’s extra-time defeat to Argentina in the quarter-finals.
