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Ronald Koeman has resigned from his position as manager of the Netherlands after the Oranje were knocked out of the World Cup 2026 in the round of 32 following a penalty shootout defeat.

Morocco advanced at the expense of the Netherlands, and Koeman bid farewell after completing his second spell in charge of the national team.

“Looking back on my career, I feel especially proud,” Koeman shared in a post on Instagram. “I have worked with clubs and people who shaped me and gave me memories that I will cherish for a lifetime.”

The former Barcelona manager, who also had playing and managerial stints with Ajax, Feyenoord, and PSV, leaves without a clear successor already lined up.

Among the early favourites, according to bookmakers, is Arne Slot. He led Liverpool to the Premier League title in the 2024–25 season but was dismissed a year later, though his reputation in Dutch football remains largely intact.

Another name that naturally comes into consideration is the reigning Eredivisie champion’s manager. PSV clinched the 2025–26 title under 62-year-old Peter Bosz, who has previously coached Ajax but, unlike many Dutch managers with senior international experience, has never managed the national side.

Ruud van Nistelrooy is also expected to be in contention, having served as Koeman’s assistant. The former Netherlands striker and PSV boss had a brief spell as interim manager at Manchester United and endured a challenging introduction to full-time Premier League management with Leicester City.

Following the tradition of considering assistant coaches, the current Netherlands Under-21 manager, Michael Reiziger, could also be an option. Now 53, the former Netherlands international has previously worked with Ajax’s youth teams.

Another possible candidate is former Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag. After a short-lived tenure at Bayer Leverkusen, Ten Hag is set to take up a backroom role at Twente following the World Cup. However, he might be persuaded to reconsider if the national post is offered.

The KNVB has a history of appointing former players who possess some managerial experience but not necessarily a flawless record. Robin van Persie, currently without a job after spells with Heerenveen and his boyhood club Feyenoord, is another name that could resurface.

A signature move by the Dutch Football Association could be a return for Louis van Gaal, who has previously succeeded Frank de Boer, Bert van Marwijk, and Frank Rijkaard. However, at 74 years old, Van Gaal may be considered too senior for yet another comeback, especially since he has been on a break since the end of his third stint in 2022.

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