The 2026 FIFA World Cup has continued to leave a trail of casualties beyond the pitch, with several national team coaches stepping down and football administrators facing mounting pressure after disappointing campaigns.
The aftermath of the 2026 FIFA World Cup has sparked a wave of resignations and administrative turmoil, with national team managers losing their jobs and football federation officials coming under intense scrutiny following underwhelming performances.
The Netherlands became the latest nation to witness a major shake-up after Ronald Koeman resigned as head coach in the wake of the Oranje’s disappointing exit from the tournament.
Despite entering the knockout stage as one of the competition’s standout teams, the Dutch saw their World Cup dream come to an abrupt end in the Round of 32, losing 3-2 on penalties to Morocco after a 1-1 draw following extra time.
The defeat prompted Koeman to step down, bringing an end to his tenure with the national team.
Koeman’s resignation adds to a growing list of managerial casualties at the tournament.
Scotland manager Steve Clarke also resigned after the Tartan Army failed to progress beyond the group stage, while South Korea’s Hong Myung-bo stepped down after apologising to fans following his country’s early elimination.
Tunisia acted even more swiftly, dismissing Sabri Lamouchi after a crushing 5-1 defeat to Sweden in their opening group match, one of the fastest managerial sackings in FIFA World Cup history.
Czechia’s Miroslav Koubek also left his role by mutual consent after his side finished bottom of their group with just one point.
The repercussions have extended beyond the touchline.
Saudi Arabian Football Federation president Yasser Al-Misehal resigned after the Green Falcons finished bottom of Group H with two points from three matches. Accepting responsibility for the team’s failure, Al-Misehal ended a seven-year spell in charge, despite having overseen Saudi Arabia’s successful bid to host the 2034 FIFA World Cup.
In South Korea, the fallout has escalated into a broader leadership crisis.
Although Hong Myung-bo has already vacated his position as head coach, Korea Football Association president Chung Mong-gyu is facing growing calls to resign.
The veteran football administrator has come under fierce criticism from supporters, politicians and the media, with many blaming long-standing governance issues for the team’s disappointing World Cup campaign.
The pressure intensified after South Korean President Lee Jae-myung reportedly ordered the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism to investigate the Korea Football Association over allegations of poor governance, favouritism and administrative failings surrounding the national team’s preparations.
With the first expanded 48-team FIFA World Cup producing several high-profile upsets, football federations across the globe have wasted little time demanding accountability.
As the competition goes deeper expect more post-tournament reviews for eliminated teams , expect more managerial and administrative changes in the days ahead as the World Cup heads into the business end .
