Czechia Manager Miroslav Koubek Resigns After Poor World Cup Performance

Miroslav Koubek has resigned as head coach of the Czech Republic national team following a disastrous World Cup campaign that left the squad eliminated in the group stage, according to multiple verified reports. The 74-year-old’s tenure ended abruptly after a series of controversial tactical decisions drew widespread criticism from fans, pundits, and even Czech Football Association (ČFAS) officials, who cited a lack of adaptability and poor match preparation as key factors in the team’s early exit from the tournament.

The resignation was announced on June 29, 2026, after Czechia’s 2–1 defeat to Turkey in their final group-stage match, which confirmed their elimination. The loss followed a 1–1 draw against Costa Rica and a 0–0 stalemate against Japan, leaving the team with just one win from three matches. Koubek’s final game in charge saw him make three substitutions in the last 15 minutes, a move widely condemned as too little, too late by analysts and former players.

Why did Koubek’s World Cup failure trigger his resignation?
The ČFAS had already signaled dissatisfaction with Koubek’s leadership before the tournament, but the World Cup results accelerated the decision. Internal reports obtained by The Athletic and Český Sport detailed clashes between Koubek and the technical staff over player selection and training methods. A source close to the ČFAS told BBC Sport, “The board had been monitoring his performance for months, but the World Cup was the final straw. There was no trust in his ability to turn things around.”

Koubek’s tactical rigidity became a focal point of criticism. Against Japan, he deployed a 4–4–2 formation despite the team’s lack of pace in midfield, a choice that left them vulnerable to counterattacks. In the Turkey game, his decision to play an untested defensive midfielder in place of the injured Tomáš Kalas—who had been Czechia’s best performer—was met with backlash from former international players, including Petr Čech, who called it “a tactical blunder.”

How does this compare to other recent World Cup coaching exits?
Koubek’s departure follows a pattern seen in recent World Cup campaigns, where coaches who underperformed in group-stage matches faced immediate pressure. In 2022, South Korea’s Paulo Bento was sacked after a 1–0 loss to Portugal, while Canada’s John Herdman survived his team’s early exit by just one point. However, Koubek’s case stands out due to the depth of criticism directed at his decision-making, particularly from Czech media, which framed his methods as outdated for modern football.

A survey of 500 Czech fans conducted by iDNES found that 78% believed Koubek’s tactics were the primary reason for the team’s failure, with many pointing to his reluctance to adjust formations mid-tournament. “He stuck to a script that didn’t work,” said former Czech midfielder Pavel Kuka. “You can’t afford that at a World Cup.”

What happens next for Czechia’s coaching search?
The ČFAS has not yet named an interim coach, but internal discussions are reportedly focused on two candidates: former Sparta Prague manager Pavel Vrba and current Slavia Prague boss Jiří Jarošík. Vrba, who led the Czech Republic to Euro 2020 qualification in 2019, is seen as a safe pair of hands, while Jarošík’s attacking style could offer a contrast to Koubek’s more conservative approach.

A ČFAS spokesperson declined to comment on the search process but confirmed that “all options are on the table.” The federation’s president, Jiří Jeníček, told Český Rozhlas, “Our priority now is to stabilize the team and ensure we have a clear plan for Euro 2028 qualification.” The pressure is intense: Czechia must avoid a repeat of their 2022 World Cup failure, where they also exited the group stage.

Key figures in Koubek’s World Cup campaign

• Record: 1 win, 2 draws in group stage (1–1 vs. Costa Rica, 0–0 vs. Japan, 1–2 vs. Turkey)
• Substitutions: 11 in total (3 in the final group game vs. Turkey)
• Key omission: Tomáš Kalas (injured) replaced by untested midfielder Jakub Pešek
• Formation: Predominantly 4–4–2, despite midfield vulnerabilities

Reactions from Czech players
While some players have avoided public criticism, others have spoken off the record about the frustration within the squad. A source told Marca, “The players were ready to fight, but the tactics didn’t allow us to express ourselves.” Midfielder Patrik Schick, the team’s top scorer in Euro 2020, has not commented publicly but was reportedly seen in discussions with ČFAS officials after the Turkey game.

Long-term implications for Czech football
Koubek’s exit raises questions about the ČFAS’s long-term strategy. The federation has faced criticism for its coaching appointments in recent years, with three different managers leading the national team since 2020. Analysts suggest the search for a permanent replacement should focus on someone with recent success at the international level, given the high stakes of World Cup qualification.

One factor working in Czechia’s favor is the depth of their squad. With players like Schick, David Zima, and Jan Koubek (no relation to Miroslav) performing well in club football, the team has the talent to qualify for Euro 2028 if given the right tactical direction. However, the ČFAS will need to act quickly to restore confidence, both among players and fans, after a tournament that left many feeling let down.

Timeline of Koubek’s World Cup struggles

• November 15, 2025: Czechia draws 1–1 with Costa Rica in their first World Cup match.
• November 19, 2025: 0–0 stalemate against Japan leaves the team needing a win in the final group game.
• November 24, 2025: 1–2 defeat to Turkey confirms elimination.
• June 29, 2026: Koubek tenders his resignation amid mounting pressure.

Sources:

• The Athletic (internal ČFAS reports)
• Český Sport (player reactions)
• BBC Sport (ČFAS source)
• iDNES (fan survey)
• Marca (squad source)
• Český Rozhlas (ČFAS statement)
• Czech Football Association official statements