Miroslav Koubek (74, Czech Republic), the manager of the Czech national football team that suffered a comeback defeat against South Korea at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, has stepped down from his position.

The Football Association of the Czech Republic announced today (June 30, Korea Standard Time) that it has mutually agreed to terminate the contract with manager Koubek.

The Czech Republic dismissed manager Ivan Hasek (Czech Republic) after a 2-1 away loss to the Faroe Islands in the World Cup European qualifiers last October, and appointed Koubek as his successor in December of the same year.

His contract was originally set to run until June 2028.

Born in 1951, Koubek successfully led the Czech Republic to the World Cup finals for the first time in 20 years since the 2006 Germany tournament through the UEFA playoffs.

However, the Czech Republic finished at the bottom of Group A with one draw and two losses (1 point) after a 2-1 comeback loss to South Korea in the opening match of the group stage, a 1-1 draw with South Africa, and a 3-0 defeat to co-host Mexico, resulting in their elimination.

Furthermore, Koubek faced intense criticism at home for his overly defensive tactics and his decision to bench star striker Patrik Schick in the final match against Mexico—a game that could have secured a spot in the Round of 32—only to bring him on as a substitute midway through the second half.

Following the tournament, Schick announced his retirement from the national team at the relatively young age of 30.

In a statement posted on the association's website, Koubek said, "The media onslaught based on half-truths and distortions about me was also one of the reasons for this decision," adding, "I believe it is no longer meaningful to work for the Czech national team in this atmosphere."

Following the resignation of South Korea manager Hong Myung-bo, Koubek's departure leaves both teams that were eliminated from Group A of the World Cup without a head coach.

(Photo: Yonhap News)