World Cup 2026: Ten Hag Distances Self From Replacing Koeman As Netherlands Coach
Retold by Oddsrama · 10 July 2026
Erik ten Hag has firmly shut the door on a move to become Netherlands head coach, despite interest from the Dutch Football Association following Ronald Koeman's resignation after the team's World Cup 2026 exit. The former Manchester United boss is now technical director at FC Twente and has made it clear he is locked in for the long haul, committing the next two years fully to the club's project. Ten Hag emphasized that taking the Twente role was a deliberate choice and that he is enjoying his time there, wanting to help drive the club forward rather than chase the national team gig.
Koeman stepped down after the Netherlands crashed out in the round of 32 at the 2026 World Cup, leaving the KNVB hunting for a replacement. Ten Hag had been on their radar as a top candidate, but his refusal has opened the door wider for other contenders. The likes of Robin van Persie and Ruud van Nistelrooy—both Dutch legends—are being talked up, while Louis van Gaal and Michael Reiziger, who manages the Under-21 side, are also in the conversation. Interestingly, Arne Slot, freshly sacked by Liverpool, has emerged as another option.
From a betting perspective, Ten Hag's removal from the equation reshapes the odds for who lands the Netherlands job. His decision to stay at Twente signals confidence in that project, though his recent spell at Bayer Leverkusen—where he lasted just two Bundesliga matches—had raised eyebrows about his current stock in elite football. His commitment to Twente suggests he is focused on rebuilding credibility away from the spotlight. With Koeman out and Ten Hag unavailable, the race for the Netherlands job is wide open, which could affect how punters assess the team's chances heading into their next competitive window.
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