Czech Coach Resigns After World Cup Group Stage Exit
The Czech Republic national football team was eliminated in the group stage of the 2026 FIFA World Cup after a 0-3 loss to Mexico. The team finished last in Group A, prompting widespread criticism. Head coach Miroslav Koubek initially refused to resign but later stepped down amid a media dispute. His tenure, which had ended a 20-year World Cup drought, ended after just six matches and one point. Star striker Patrik Schick also retired internationally.
Cross-source coverage
Wire timeline
Koubek Leaves Czech Republic Bench After World Cup Failure
Miroslav Koubek has stepped down as head coach of the Czech Republic national football team after an agreement reached on Monday between the 74-year-old veteran manager and the Czech Football Federation to terminate his contract, which was due to run until June 2028. The decision follows the team's poor performance at the World Cup, where they failed to win any match, losing 2-1 to South Korea and 0-3 to Mexico, and drawing 1-1 with South Africa. Koubek stated he assumed his share of responsibility for the 'failure' and submitted his resignation to Federation President David Trunda, which was accepted. He also cited a media campaign of 'half-truths and fabrications' against him as a factor, concluding that his work in such an environment would no longer make sense. Koubek took over in December 2025 and had led the Czech Republic to their first World Cup in 20 years, but the early elimination tarnished his tenure.
FútbolCzech Republic Coach Miroslav Koubek Resigns After 2026 World Cup Group Stage Exit
Miroslav Koubek, the 74-year-old head coach of the Czech Republic national football team, resigned on June 29, 2026, following the team's elimination in the group stage of the 2026 FIFA World Cup. The Czechs finished last in Group A with two losses and one draw. Koubek, appointed in December 2025, had led the team to their first World Cup finals since 2006, securing qualification after 20 years. He leaves after just six matches in charge, including the three World Cup games. The resignation was announced by mutual agreement with the Football Association of the Czech Republic. It follows the earlier announcement of star striker Patrik Schick's international retirement, compounding a turbulent period for Czech football.
Foot Mercato : Info Transferts Football - Actu Foot TransfertMiroslav Koubek Resigns as Czech Republic Coach, Citing Media Campaign of 'Half-Truths'
Miroslav Koubek resigned as head coach of the Czech Republic national football team on Monday following the team's elimination in the group stage of the 2026 FIFA World Cup. The 74-year-old coach accused the press of publishing 'half-truths' and 'fabricated news' against him, stating that the hostile media atmosphere made his continuation untenable. Koubek had taken over after the Czechs' surprising defeat to the Faroe Islands in qualifying, subsequently leading the team to its first World Cup finals appearance in 20 years. However, the Czech Republic managed only one point in Group A (a draw with South Africa) and lost to co-hosts Mexico and South Korea. Koubek's resignation highlights tensions between the coach and Czech media during an otherwise historic qualification campaign.
RecordCzech Republic Coach Miroslav Koubek Admits Mistakes After World Cup Elimination, Refuses to Resign
After a 3-0 defeat to Mexico, the Czech Republic was eliminated from the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Head coach Miroslav Koubek acknowledged his team made 'stupid mistakes' and underperformed throughout the tournament, particularly pointing to a missed opportunity in a 1-1 draw with South Africa. Despite the early exit and criticism of Czech football's decline, Koubek confirmed he will not step down, citing his existing contract and commitment to improvement. He stated the team needs to enhance technical skills and player selection to compete at the highest level, noting Czech football is falling behind internationally.
RecordCzech National Team Faces Heavy Criticism After 2026 World Cup Exit
The Czech Republic's return to the World Cup for the first time since 2006 ended in disappointment after a 0-3 loss to Mexico at the Estadio Azteca, eliminating them from the 2026 tournament. The defeat in Group A, which also included South Korea and South Africa, sparked widespread criticism in the Central European country. Former stars Karel Poborsky and Michal Kadlec publicly analyzed the team's shortcomings. Poborsky noted a lack of physicality and tactical flaws, while Kadlec stated the team lost its way in the opening matches and that the result reflects the current state of Czech football, calling for urgent action. Despite a seemingly manageable group, the Czech Republic finished last, leading to harsh scrutiny of the team's performance and preparation.
Fútbol