Ronald Koeman has stepped down as head coach of the Netherlands following their World Cup round-of-32 exit to Morocco, ending his second stint in charge.The Netherlands were beaten 3-2 on penalties after a 1-1 draw at Estadio BBVA, Monterrey, extending a run which has seen them not progress beyond the quarter-finals of a World Cup since 2014, when they finished third.Asked after the defeat whether he had already stepped down, Koeman said: “No, I haven’t. I’m going to reflect on my future. This is straight after a game and the disappointment is so fresh in your mind. Maybe I’ll come to a conclusion by tomorrow morning.”On Tuesday, Koeman and the Dutch FA released a joint statement on social media from the 63-year-old confirming his departure.“Last night, I took the decision to step down as manager of the Netherlands national team,” Koeman wrote.“We all dreamt of a World Cup in which we would make history. That did not happen. No one is more disappointed about this than I am. As national team manager, you bear that responsibility. I have always felt it and will always continue to feel it.”Koeman’s Netherlands side were second-best in their last-32 loss against Morocco. (ANP via Getty Images)Koeman also said there were personal reasons behind his decision to step away from the national team,“Football has been my life, but health is priceless,” he added. “When someone you love dearly is fighting a tough battle, your perspective changes.“My wife Bartina, despite her own illness, has supported and encouraged me every day to see my work as national team manager through to the end. That is a testament to her incredible strength. I am more grateful to her for that than I could ever put into words.”Koeman had been in his second spell as Netherlands head coach after returning to the role in January 2023.He previously managed the national team between 2018 and 2020, leaving to take charge of Barcelona, where he was sacked after 14 months following a loss to Rayo Vallecano which left them ninth in La Liga.Koeman led the Netherlands to the semi-finals of Euro 2024, where they were beaten 2-1 by England, and his contract had been due to expire at the end of the 2026 World Cup.With a 5-1 victory over Sweden, 3-1 win against Tunisia and 2-2 draw against Japan, the Netherlands topped Group F at this year’s tournament in the United States, Canada and Mexico. Netherlands looked to be on course to reach the last 16 when Cody Gakpo scored in the 72nd minute against Morocco in the first knockout match, but Issa Diop equalised in stoppage-time, before Justin Kluivert, Quinten Timber and Crysencio Summerville each missed penalties in the shootout defeat.Koeman faced criticism for switching to a five-man defence against Morocco and a perceived defensive approach. He defended his system and argued it was intended to reduce the number of chances conceded after defensive problems during the group stage.“If I had to do it again, I’d do it all the same way,” Koeman said of his decision in a post-match news conference.“As the Dutch coach, when the equaliser is scored, I am always going to be scolded for the fact I chose five defenders.“But you criticise, which is your right. You watch from the sidelines, I’m here with the team and, once again, I’d do it again.”The Netherlands’ defeat extended their wait for a first World Cup title. They have reached the final three times, finishing as runners-up in 1974, 1978 and 2010.Jun 30, 2026Connections: Sports EditionSpot the pattern. Connect the termsFind the hidden link between sports terms