2026 World Cup: Ibrahimovic Slams Koeman: “He Was Inadequate—He Was Just Like an Italian Coach”

Zlatan Ibrahimovic harshly criticized Ronald Koeman after the Netherlands was eliminated from the 2026 World Cup by Morocco. The round of 16 match went to a penalty shootout, and according to the former Swedish player, the Oranje played a defeatist brand of soccer, betraying their own identity.

“This defeat is Koeman’s fault. I didn’t recognize the Netherlands I admire. They lost by playing a style of soccer that has nothing to do with the Oranje’s identity, and that makes me angry. You can lose, but without giving up your principles, because that’s exactly what defines a team.”

Ibrahimovic, an advisor to Milan president Gerry Cardinale, also brought up Italian coaches in his attack on Koeman during an interview with Fox Sports: “I consider him completely inadequate. Today, Koeman looked like an Italian coach, playing not to lose, whereas the Netherlands always plays to win. The players were clearly uncomfortable; they didn’t have control of the game and couldn’t create any danger on offense.”

The match had been going smoothly for the Oranje thanks to Cody Gakpo’s goal in the 72nd minute, a moment charged with emotion: the Liverpool forward, visibly moved to tears, had dedicated the goal to the child his partner had lost during pregnancy. Morocco never stopped believing, and in the 91st minute, Diop tied the game at 1-1 with a precise header, sending the match into extra time and then to a penalty shootout. From the penalty spot, things went worse for the Oranje: Kluivert hit the post, Timber kicked wide, and Summerville was denied by Bounou. On the Moroccan side, despite El Aynaoui hitting the crossbar and Hakimi hitting the post, it was Saibari—who had already scored three goals in the group stage—who converted the decisive penalty and secured Morocco’s spot in the Round of 16, where they will face Canada.