Czech Coach Miroslav Koubek Resigns After World Cup Group-stage Exit

Czech Republic head coach Miroslav Koubek has stepped down following the country’s disappointing exit from the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

The Czech Football Association confirmed earlier today, June 29, that Miroslav Koubek resigned after the team finished bottom of their group with one draw and two defeats, failing to reach the knockout stage.

FA president David Truba said the decision followed discussions between both parties.

“Today, after mutual consultation with Head Coach Miroslav Koubek, we have reached an agreement to terminate our cooperation. Mr. Koubek tendered his resignation to me during our meeting today. Following an open, honest and compliant discussion, I have decided to accept his resignation,” the FA president said.

“When we first met in Kladno on December 14, we spent several hours having an in-depth discussion about Czech football, the national team and the direction we hoped to lead the side toward. We reached two clear goals: to get the Czech national team back to the World Cup after a 20-year absence, and to lay a solid foundation for its long-term development.

“We jointly fulfilled the first goal. Qualifying for the World Cup is an extraordinary moment for Czech football as a whole, and Mr. Miroslav Koubek made an enormous contribution to this achievement. For that, I extend my sincere respect and gratitude to him.”

In his farewell statement, Koubek accepted responsibility for the team’s poor campaign and revealed that sustained criticism from the media also influenced his decision.

Koubek said, “As head coach, I bear shared responsibility for our poor results at the World Cup. After weighing all relevant factors, I decided to tender my resignation to FA President David Truba. Following our discussions and negotiations, the President accepted my proposal, bringing an end to my tenure in charge of the national team.

“Another factor that prompted my decision is the media campaign targeting me, filled with numerous half-truths and fabrications. Working for the Czech national team has lost its meaning amid such an atmosphere.

“I would like to thank President David Truba and the FAČR Executive Committee for the trust they placed in me. I am equally grateful for the partnership with Petr Čech, all members of the coaching staff and the entire workforce of the Czech Football Association, and above all the players. Managing the Czech national team has been the greatest honor of my career.

“It is a source of regret that after gaining new insights from our World Cup experience, I will not get the chance to implement the concrete, clear plans I had drawn up for the national team’s next steps.

“I also offer my heartfelt thanks to the fans. Their unparalleled support throughout our World Cup qualifying campaign and during the tournament itself will stay with me forever.

“I wish the Czech national team and my successor every success in building on this foundation and achieving greater things. I will cheer them on just like every other fan of Czech football.”

Koubek becomes the latest manager to leave his post after the World Cup, joining a growing list of coaching casualties following group-stage eliminations.

Naija News reports that South Korea’s Myung-bo Hong resigned after his side recorded three points from three matches but failed to progress, while Scotland’s Steve Clarke also stepped down after his team’s exit.

Tunisia parted company with Sabri Lamouchi after a heavy opening defeat to Sweden, although his successor, Hervé Renard, is also expected to leave following the North Africans’ elimination.

Uruguay’s Marcelo Bielsa also resigned after his side failed to win a match and exited the tournament with just two points.