By Teddy Nwanunobi
No fewer than eight national team coaches have resigned from their positions, following the elimination of their teams from the ongoing 2026 World Cup being co-hosted by the trio of the United States of America, Canada, and Mexico.
Daily NewsCraft reports that several countries have also parted ways with their coaches following disappointing World Cup campaigns, including Germany, Ecuador, the Netherlands, Czechia, Scotland and South Korea.
The coaches include: Carlos Queiroz (Ghana) who stepped down after Ghana’s Round of 32 exit, Julian Nagelsmann (Germany) who left after Germany’s elimination, Sebastián Beccacece (Ecuador) who departed following Ecuador’s exit, Ronald Koeman (Netherlands) who left after the Netherlands’ elimination, Miroslav Koubek (Czechia) who left his job after Czechia were knocked out, Steve Clarke (Scotland) who departed after Scotland’s campaign ended, and Hong Myung-bo (South Korea) who left following South Korea’s elimination.
Portugal manager, Roberto Martinez, became the latest to step down, after his side’s 1-0 defeat to Spain in the Round of 16 on Monday night.
The 52-year-old, who was consistently criticised for sticking with ageing captain, Cristiano Ronaldo, no matter what, had been in charge since 2023.
Speaking with reporters after the match, Martinez, whose departure was expected with his contract ending, said: “It is true that it was my last game with the Portugal national team.
“Thank you to the Portuguese people because it was an incredible period, a pride which I can’t describe.
“All that strength, energy we had from all the fans, from all the Portuguese people was incredible.
“Thank you for this and I take with me a memory for life.”
His exit follows that of Ghana head coach Carlos Queiroz, who resigned after the Black Stars were eliminated in the Round of 32.
With the tournament now in the quarter-final stage, further coaching changes are expected as national federations review performances and begin preparations for the next international cycle.