Ronald Koeman’s second stint as Netherlands coach has ended.
The 63-year-old coach announced his resignation on Tuesday, less than 24 hours after Oranje crashed out of the World Cup in the round of 16 on penalties against Morocco.
“Last night I decided to end my tenure as head coach of the Netherlands,” Koeman wrote. “Looking back on my career, I have a deep sense of pride and gratitude. I have had the honor of working with Vitesse, Ajax, Benfica, PSV, Valencia, AZ, Feyenoord, Southampton, Everton and Barcelona – and, of course, being capped twice by the Dutch national team. These are the clubs and people who shaped me and gave me the memories that I will cherish for the rest of your life.”
After coaching the national team from 2018 to 2020, Koeman was reappointed to the post in 2023 following the departure of Louis van Gaal. He led Oranje to the semi-finals of Euro 2024, where they lost to England. It was the Orange’s first semi-final appearance at a major tournament since the 2014 World Cup semi-final.
The Netherlands earned a spot at the World Cup thanks to an unbeaten qualifying campaign, finishing top of a group that also included Poland, Finland, Malta and Lithuania. Placed in Group F alongside Japan, Sweden and Tunisia, the Orangemen finished top of the group with seven points from two wins and a draw.
In Monday’s match, the Orange opened the scoring with a goal from Liverpool’s Cody Gakpo in the 72nd minute. The Netherlands were then content to pull back and protect their lead, but Morocco equalized in the first minute of the stoppage through an Issa Diop goal to force extra time. Extra time decided nothing: Morocco went out on penalties with a score of 3:2. For the first time in 12 matches at the World Cup, the Orange failed to reach the 1/8 finals.
Three-time finalists, the Netherlands have never won a World Cup.