Ronald Koeman has stepped down as head coach of the Netherlands national team following the country's disappointing exit from the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

The Dutch were eliminated in the Round of 32 after losing to Morocco in a penalty shootout, bringing an early end to their campaign.

Announcing his decision in a post on Instagram on Tuesday, Koeman said he was taking responsibility for the team's failure to meet expectations.

"I made the decision to end my tenure as head coach of the Dutch national team," he wrote.

"We all dreamed of a World Cup in which we would make history. That didn't happen. No one is more disappointed about that than I am. As head coach, you bear that responsibility."

The defeat marked the third consecutive World Cup in which the Netherlands have been knocked out on penalties. Before this tournament, the Dutch had reached at least the Round of 16 in each of their previous 11 World Cup appearances, including a quarter-final finish at the 2022 tournament in Qatar.

Koeman faced criticism during the competition over his defensive approach and ultimately chose not to extend his contract, which was due to expire after the World Cup.

"Precisely because I have worked so closely and intensively with this coaching staff and this group of players for such a long time, this was not an easy decision to make," he said.

He thanked his coaching staff, players and everyone involved with the national team for their commitment during his two spells in charge, adding that he now intends to spend more time with his family.

"I have decided that now is the right time to spend more time with my wife, children and grandchildren. At this moment, it feels like the right and most natural decision," he added.

Koeman returned for a second stint as Netherlands coach after Louis van Gaal stepped down following the 2022 World Cup, where the Dutch reached the quarter-finals before losing to eventual champions Argentina on penalties.

During his second spell, Koeman guided the Netherlands to the semi-finals of Euro 2024, their best performance at a major international tournament since reaching the last four of the 2014 FIFA World Cup.

Ronald Koeman Resigns as Netherlands Coach After World Cup Exit

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