Ronald Koeman has announced his resignation as head coach of the Netherlands national team following their elimination in the round of 32 at the World Cup.

The Dutch side exited the tournament after losing a penalty shootout to Morocco, bringing an end to a campaign widely viewed as disappointing.

Confirming his departure on Instagram on Tuesday, Koeman wrote:

“I made the decision to end my tenure as head coach ‌of the Dutch national team.

“We all dreamed of a World Cup in which we would make history. That didn’t happen. No one is more disappointed about that than I am. As ​head coach, you bear that responsibility.”

The Netherlands had progressed to at least the round of 16 in each of their previous eleven World Cup appearances, including a quarter-final finish at the tournament in Qatar four years earlier. Their defeat to Morocco marked the third successive World Cup in which they were eliminated via a penalty shootout.

Koeman faced criticism during the competition from some observers who felt his tactical approach was too defensive. He chose not to renew his contract, which was set to expire after the World Cup.

Reflecting on his decision, Koeman said:

“Precisely because I have worked so closely and intensively with this coaching staff and this group of players for such a long time, this was not an easy decision to make.

“I am grateful and would like to express my sincere appreciation for the dedication shown by everyone involved with Oranje during both of my periods as head coach.

“Of course, it is deeply disappointing that our World Cup campaign has ended so early. But once I have had time to process it and look back, I will mainly remember the great cooperation and the many wonderful moments we shared together. I would therefore like to thank everyone who contributed to that. I have decided that now is the right time to spend more time with my wife, children, and grandchildren. At this moment, it feels like the right and most natural decision.”

This was Koeman’s second spell in charge of the Dutch national team.

He returned to the role after Louis van Gaal’s departure following the 2022 World Cup, where the Netherlands reached the quarter-finals before losing on penalties to eventual champions Argentina.

During his second tenure, Koeman guided the team to the semi-finals of Euro 2024, their first appearance in the last four of a major international tournament since the 2014 World Cup.