World Cup 2026: Nine Coaches Leave After Tournament Exits
The 2026 FIFA World Cup has triggered a wave of managerial changes, with nine national team coaches leaving their positions so far, after their countries were eliminated from the tournament.
The latest departure is Zlatko Dalić, who stepped down as Croatia head coach after his side's 2-1 defeat to Portugal in the Round of 32.
The Croatian Football Federation confirmed the 59-year-old's decision in a statement on Wednesday, ending a highly successful tenure that lasted almost nine years.
The federation said:
"Following nearly nine years, head coach Zlatko Dalić has decided to close his incredibly successful chapter with Croatia."
Dalić's resignation came shortly after Roberto Martínez left his position as Portugal manager following the country's World Cup campaign.
Several other nations have also changed coaches after their exits from the tournament.
Those who have left their roles include:
Carlos Queiroz (Ghana)
Julian Nagelsmann (Germany)
Sebastián Beccacece (Ecuador)
Ronald Koeman (Netherlands)
Miroslav Koubek (Czechia)
Steve Clarke (Scotland)
Hong Myung-bo (South Korea).
The growing number of departures underlines the intense pressure on national team managers at major international tournaments, where disappointing results often lead to immediate changes in leadership.
The latest departure is Zlatko Dalić, who stepped down as Croatia head coach after his side's 2-1 defeat to Portugal in the Round of 32.
The Croatian Football Federation confirmed the 59-year-old's decision in a statement on Wednesday, ending a highly successful tenure that lasted almost nine years.
The federation said:
"Following nearly nine years, head coach Zlatko Dalić has decided to close his incredibly successful chapter with Croatia."
Dalić's resignation came shortly after Roberto Martínez left his position as Portugal manager following the country's World Cup campaign.
Several other nations have also changed coaches after their exits from the tournament.
Those who have left their roles include:
Carlos Queiroz (Ghana)
Julian Nagelsmann (Germany)
Sebastián Beccacece (Ecuador)
Ronald Koeman (Netherlands)
Miroslav Koubek (Czechia)
Steve Clarke (Scotland)
Hong Myung-bo (South Korea).
The growing number of departures underlines the intense pressure on national team managers at major international tournaments, where disappointing results often lead to immediate changes in leadership.
