Copy linkFacebookXPinterestEmailShare this article 0Join the conversationFollow usAdd us as a preferred source on GoogleNewsletterSubscribe to our newsletterRonald Koeman has quit as Netherlands manager after being knocked out of the World Cup on penalties by Morocco.The Netherlands drew 1-1 with Morocco after extra time but failed in the shoot out after Justin Kluivert, Quinten Timber and Crysencio Summerville all missed their spot kicks.It is the second time Koeman has managed his country, having previously done so between 2018 to 2020 before he left to manage Barcelona.Koeman, 63, said on Instagram: Looking back on my career, I feel especially proud. I have worked with clubs and people that shaped me and gave me memories that I will cherish for a lifetime."We all dreamed of a World Cup in which we would write history. That didn't work out. No-one is more disappointed about that than me. You may like Netherlands squad World Cup 2026: Ronald Koeman's squad to face Japan World Cup manager sacked after disastrous defeat in opening game: report Steve Clarke steps down as Scotland manager as World Cup exit confirmed Koeman also referenced his wife Bartina's battle with breast cancer. She previously beat the disease in 2010 but was diagnosed again in 2024 and is undergoing chemotherapy.Moreover, the past years have made me realise again that there are more important things than football, Koeman added.Get FourFourTwo NewsletterThe best features, fun and footballing quizzes, straight to your inbox every week.Contact me with news and offers from other Future brandsReceive email from us on behalf of our trusted partners or sponsorsBy submitting your information you agree to the Terms & Conditions and Privacy Policy and are aged 16 or over.Play our FREE match predictor and win �1k"Football has been my life, but health is priceless. When someone you love is fighting a tough battle, your perspective changes."In further fall out from the defeat the Royal Dutch Football Association (KNVB) said they will seek criminal charges against anyone who racially abused any of their players.Kluivert, Timber and Summerville all missed their penalties and were subjected to discriminatory, racist and hateful comments on social media.The KNVB said: Once a report is filed, legal staff assess whether the statement constitutes a punishable offence. This can lead to a formal complaint being lodged with the Public Prosecution Service, which may then initiate a criminal investigation.Koeman became the third manager to leave his job at this World Cup following Sabri Lamouchi sacking by Tunisia following their 5-1 thrashing by Sweden in the opening game and Steve Clarkes resignation from Scotland after they failed to get out of their group.TOPICSRonald KoemanNetherlandsWorld CupWorld Cup 2026James AndrewSocial Links NavigationEditorJames Andrew is the editor of FourFourTwo, overseeing both the magazine and website. James is an NCTJ qualified journalist and began his career as a news reporter in regional newspapers in 2006 before moving into sport a year later. In 2011 he started a six year stint on the sports desk at the Daily Mail and MailOnline. James was appointed editor of FourFourTwo in December 2019. Across his career James has interviewed the likes of Franco Baresi, Sir Alex Ferguson, David Beckham and Michael Owen. James has been a Fulham season ticket holder since the mid-1990s and enjoys watching them home and away, through promotion and relegation.
