Miroslav Koubek is no longer the head coach of the Czech team.

The Czech national football team's early exit from the World Cup has led to significant changes within its coaching staff, with head coach Miroslav Koubek announcing his resignation following a public dispute over media coverage. The Czech Football Association (FACR) confirmed on Monday, June 29, 2026, that it had reached an agreement with Koubek to terminate their collaboration after the team's disappointing performance in the tournament held in the United States, Mexico, and Canada.

In a public statement, FACR president David Trunda said that Koubek had offered his resignation during a meeting, and he accepted it after an open and honest discussion. According to Koubek, his decision to step down was influenced by a media campaign that he described as being based on numerous half-truths about him. He stated that under such circumstances, continuing his work with the national team no longer made sense.

Koubek, who is 47 years old, had led the Czech Republic back to the World Cup for the first time in 20 years after guiding the team through additional qualification matches in March, where they defeated Ireland and Denmark via penalty shootouts. However, the team failed to make a lasting impression during this year’s World Cup. In Group A, they drew with South Africa but lost to Mexico and South Korea, resulting in an early elimination.

Koubek’s tenure as head coach marked a return to international competition for the Czech Republic after a long absence. His appointment came amid hopes of reviving the nation's footballing fortunes, which had seen a decline since their last World Cup appearance in 2006. Under his leadership, the team secured crucial victories in the qualifying rounds, demonstrating resilience and determination. However, these successes did not translate into strong performances during the actual tournament, leading to widespread criticism both domestically and internationally.

The Czech media played a central role in the controversy surrounding Koubek's departure. He accused journalists and outlets of spreading misleading information that affected his reputation and the perception of his work with the national team. This accusation highlights the growing tension between coaches and the press in modern football, where media scrutiny can significantly impact the careers of individuals in high-profile positions.

Despite the early exit from the World Cup, Koubek's efforts to qualify for the tournament were notable. The team's journey through the qualifiers was marked by intense matches and dramatic finishes, including two penalty shootouts against strong opponents. These results underscored the challenges faced by the Czech Republic in maintaining consistent performance on the global stage.

Following the announcement of Koubek's resignation, the FACR will need to address the immediate challenge of finding a new head coach for the national team. This process involves evaluating potential candidates and ensuring continuity in the team's strategy moving forward. Additionally, the association must manage the fallout from the media controversy, which could influence future interactions between the coaching staff and the press.

Looking ahead, the Czech Football Association faces the task of rebuilding the national team's morale and performance. With the next major tournaments approaching, the selection of a new coach will be critical in determining the direction of the team. Fans and supporters will be watching closely to see how the organization responds to this setback and whether it can regain its competitive edge in international competitions.