Ronald Koeman has resigned as manager of the Netherlands following the Oranje's elimination from the FIFA World Cup 2026 at the round of 32, where Morocco defeated them on penalties. Koeman, who was serving his second spell as national team boss, confirmed his departure on social media.

"Looking back on my career, I feel especially proud. I have worked with clubs and people that shaped me and gave me memories that I will cherish for a lifetime,"

The leading candidates

The Netherlands have no clear-cut successor in place, but several names are already attracting attention. Arne Slot, who guided Liverpool to the Premier League title in 2024-25 before departing the following season, is among the early bookmakers' favourites. His standing in the Netherlands remains strong despite his exit from Merseyside.

Peter Bosz, 62, could also be in contention. The PSV manager led the club to the 2025-26 Eredivisie title and previously managed Ajax, though he has never taken charge of the Dutch national team — an unusual gap on his résumé given the typical trajectory of prominent Dutch coaches.

Ruud van Nistelrooy carries strong credentials having served as Koeman's assistant with the national side. The former Oranje striker managed PSV and had a brief caretaker stint at Manchester United, though his full-time Premier League spell at Leicester City proved difficult.

Other names in the frame

Michael Reiziger, the current Netherlands Under-21 head coach and a Netherlands legend, is 53 and has prior experience with Ajax's youth system. Under-21 managers have historically been considered when senior vacancies arise at the KNVB.

Erik ten Hag, another former Manchester United manager, is also likely to feature in discussions. After a short-lived tenure at Bayer Leverkusen, Ten Hag is set to take up a backroom position at Twente following the World Cup, though the national team job could alter those plans.

Robin van Persie is another former Netherlands international available after leaving Heerenveen and then Feyenoord at the end of last season. The KNVB has a history of entrusting the national team to former players whose managerial records are promising rather than definitive.

Could van Gaal return?

The KNVB has form for bringing back familiar figures — Louis van Gaal returned to replace Frank de Boer, Bert van Marwijk, and Frank Rijkaard over the years. However, Van Gaal is now 74 and has been absent from management since the conclusion of his third spell with the national team in 2022, making a fourth return appear unlikely.