Miroslav Koubek has resigned as head coach of Czechia following the country’s group-stage exit at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, becoming the third manager to step down during the tournament.
The 74-year-old leaves after Czechia finished bottom of Group A with just one point from three matches. Drawn alongside Korea Republic, South Africa and Mexico, the Czechs failed to progress beyond the group stage, managing only a single draw in a disappointing campaign.
Koubek had only taken charge of the national team ahead of the World Cup play-offs but successfully guided Czechia to the finals through a dramatic qualifying campaign.
Under his leadership, the team secured successive penalty shoot-out victories over the Republic of Ireland and Denmark, ending the nation’s 20-year absence from the World Cup.
However, Czechia were unable to reproduce that form on the biggest stage, with their early elimination ultimately prompting Koubek to bring his brief spell in charge to an end.
His resignation follows a growing list of managerial departures at this year’s tournament. Steve Clarke stepped down as Scotland head coach after Ghana’s victory over Croatia confirmed Scotland’s elimination, while Hong Myung-bo also resigned after Korea Republic failed to progress beyond the group stage.
Koubek’s departure leaves the Czech Football Association searching for a new head coach as preparations begin for the next international cycle. Although his tenure will be remembered for steering Czechia back to the World Cup after two decades away, the finals ultimately proved a bridge too far for the experienced tactician.
The Czech Football Association is expected to begin the search for his successor in the coming days as it looks to rebuild ahead of qualification for the next major international tournament.
