Romanian coach Lucescu steps down after World Cup qualifier exit

End of World Cup hopes

Romania was eliminated from the qualifiers after losing 1-0 to Turkey in the semi-finals of the third stage of the European play-offs, ending their hopes of reaching the World Cup finals for the first time since 1998.

Lucescu’s tenure

Lucescu had returned to lead the national team in August 2024 for a second stint, with his contract set to expire this year. During his first tenure, he guided Romania to its first-ever European Championship appearance in 1984 before stepping down two years later after failing to qualify for the 1986 World Cup.

Federation statement

In a statement, the Romanian Football Federation said, "Mr. Mircea Lucescu has completed his duties as coach of the Romanian national team," and expressed "deep appreciation for the entirety of his work and for the way Mircea Lucescu represented Romania in international football."

Potential successor

Local media reports suggest that Romanian football legend Gheorghe Hagi is emerging as a leading candidate to succeed Lucescu as head coach.