Koeman resigns as Netherlands manager after World Cup penalty exit to Morocco

Ronald Koeman resigned as Netherlands manager after the Oranje were eliminated from the 2026 World Cup in the round of 32, losing on penalties to Morocco. The defeat ended Koeman’s second stint in charge of his country, and he confirmed his departure on Instagram.

“Looking back on my career, I feel especially proud,” Koeman wrote. “I have worked with clubs and people that shaped me and gave me memories that I will cherish for a lifetime.”

The former Barcelona and Ajax manager leaves without an obvious successor in place, and the KNVB now faces the task of identifying its next head coach.

The leading candidates

Arne Slot is considered an early front-runner. The 46-year-old guided Liverpool to the Premier League title in 2024-25 before being dismissed a year later, though his standing in the Netherlands remains high.

Peter Bosz, who led PSV to the 2025-26 Eredivisie title at the age of 62, is another credible option. He has managed Ajax but, unusually for a Dutch coach of his profile, has never taken charge of the national team.

Ruud van Nistelrooy served as Koeman’s assistant and will be considered. The former Oranje striker has had a temporary spell at Manchester United and a difficult full-time debut in the Premier League with Leicester City.

Michael Reiziger, currently in charge of the Netherlands Under-21 side, is a further internal candidate. The 53-year-old former international has also worked with age-group teams at Ajax.

Erik ten Hag is unlikely to be far from the conversation despite a short-lived stint at Bayer Leverkusen. He is set to take up a backroom role at Twente after the World Cup, though a national team approach could alter those plans.

Robin van Persie is out of work following spells at Heerenveen and Feyenoord, and fits the KNVB’s historical preference for appointing former players with managerial experience.

The most eye-catching scenario would be a fourth return for Louis van Gaal, who has previously replaced Frank de Boer, Bert van Marwijk, and Frank Rijkaard in the role. Van Gaal, now 74, has been out of management since the end of his third spell in 2022.