Koubek quits as Czech boss after World Cup exit, citing 'half-truths' media campaign

Miroslav Koubek has departed as Czech Republic head coach by mutual agreement, the Football Association of the Czech Republic (FACR) confirmed, days after Czechia were eliminated in the World Cup group stage with a single point from three matches.

Koubek, who took charge in December and guided the nation to the tournament via penalty shootout wins over Denmark and the Republic of Ireland in the play-offs, cited a “media campaign based on a series of half-truths and fabrications” as a contributing factor in his decision to step down.

In his resignation statement, Koubek said: “After the failure at the World Championship, for which I bear joint responsibility as head coach, after considering all the circumstances, I have come to the conclusion that I will offer my position to the president of the FACR, David Trund. After mutual debate and consultation, the president accepted my proposal.”

He added: “A media campaign based on a series of half-truths and fabrications against me also contributed to my decision. In this atmosphere, my work for the Czech national team would no longer make sense.”

Czechia’s campaign in Group A proved deeply disappointing. Drawn alongside South Korea, South Africa and Mexico, they failed to build on their play-off momentum and were knocked out at the earliest opportunity. The misery was compounded by the injury to key midfielder Tomas Soucek, who left North America on crutches after jarring his knee and ankle in the match against Mexico.

Despite the brevity of his tenure — barely six months in charge — Koubek was generous in his farewell, thanking FACR president David Trund, former Juventus and Czech football icon Pavel Nedved, the association’s staff, players and supporters.

“I regret that after gaining knowledge from the World Cup, I will not be able to fulfil the specific and clear visions I had for my further work with the national team,” he said. “A big thank you also goes to the fans. Their support throughout the entire journey to qualification and at the World Cup itself was extraordinary and I will never forget it.”

Koubek’s exit continues a pattern of managerial upheaval following the tournament, with several other national team coaches departing — either by resignation or dismissal — in the wake of their countries’ eliminations. The FACR now faces the task of appointing a successor to rebuild ahead of the next qualification cycle.