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Romania Coach Lucescu Steps Down at 80 After World Cup Exit and Health Issue
The 80-year-old coach left after a 1-0 playoff loss to Turkey and a heart problem that led to hospitalization, the FRF said.
- On Thursday, April 2, 2026, Mircea Lucescu, Romania national team head coach, stepped down from his position, the Romanian Football Federation announced, concluding his second stint leading the team.
- The decision followed a 1-0 defeat to Turkey in the World Cup qualifying playoff semifinal on March 26. Lucescu was hospitalized on Sunday after falling ill with a heart problem during training.
- A Romanian great, Lucescu captained the team at the 1970 World Cup in Brazil and led the country to its 1984 European Championship debut, alongside coaching clubs in Italy, Ukraine, Russia, and Turkey.
- Searching for a successor to lead the next qualifying cycle, the FRF has begun recruitment. Meanwhile, the federation stated that the coach is expected to take on a new role within the organization shortly.
- Lucescu had returned to coach Romania after a 38-year gap, aiming to qualify for the World Cup in North America. His departure now closes this latest chapter in his extensive career.
39 Articles
39 Articles
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The longest-serving national team coach in the history of world football has officially left his position as head coach of his country. Mircea Lucescu is no longer the head coach of the Romanian national team. The Romanian Football Federation (FRF) officially announced the end of its partnership with the experienced coach after the team failed to qualify for the 2026 World Cup. This was reported by RBC-Ukraine, citing an official statement from …
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