World Cup 2026: Czechia Coach Miroslav Koubek Resigns After Group-Stage Exit

Czechia head coach Miroslav Koubek has resigned following his country’s group-stage elimination from the 2026 FIFA World Cup, becoming the latest national team manager to leave his position during the tournament.

Koubek’s departure comes after Czechia finished bottom of Group A with just one point from three matches against South Korea, South Africa and co-hosts Mexico.

The 74-year-old only assumed responsibility for the national team shortly before the World Cup play-offs, where he successfully guided Czechia back to football’s biggest stage after a 20-year absence.

His appointment initially proved successful as Czechia secured consecutive penalty shoot-out victories over the Republic of Ireland and Denmark to qualify for the finals.

However, that momentum failed to carry into the tournament itself, with the Czechs unable to record a victory during the group stage.

The disappointing campaign ultimately ended with the team finishing at the foot of their group, prompting Koubek to step down from the role.

His resignation makes him the third national team coach to leave during the 2026 World Cup.

Earlier, Scotland manager Steve Clarke resigned after his team’s elimination was confirmed following Ghana’s victory over Croatia during the final round of group-stage matches.

South Korea head coach Hong Myung-bo also stepped down after his side failed to progress beyond the group stage despite entering the competition with high expectations.

Hong’s resignation came amid widespread criticism of South Korea’s performances and growing public pressure following the team’s early exit.

The departure of Koubek continues a trend of managerial changes triggered by disappointing World Cup campaigns, with several football federations expected to begin rebuilding ahead of future international competitions.

Although Czechia endured a difficult tournament, Koubek will be remembered for ending the nation’s two-decade absence from the FIFA World Cup by successfully navigating a demanding qualification play-off route.

His achievements during qualification restored optimism among Czech supporters, even though the team could not replicate that success once the tournament began.

The Czech Football Association is now expected to begin the search for a new head coach who will oversee preparations for upcoming international competitions, including the next UEFA Nations League campaign and the qualification process for future major tournaments.

Attention will now turn to rebuilding the squad following another disappointing World Cup campaign.