Suriname Coach Stanley Menzo Resigns After World Cup Qualification Miss

Coach Stanley Menzo steps down as Suriname manager

Suriname coach Stanley Menzo resigns after failing to secure direct World Cup qualification, despite team's playoff spot.

“I am immensely proud of what we have achieved together, and it has been a great honour for me to be part of this extraordinary journey...” 

Suriname's coach Stanley Menzo has unexpectedly resigned after failing to secure direct World Cup qualification. Menzo, a former Netherlands goalkeeper, announced his decision on Sunday following Suriname's loss to Guatemala in their last group game in November.

Despite the resignation, Suriname still has a chance to qualify for the 2026 World Cup in Canada, Mexico, and the US through the March playoffs. They'll face Bolivia in the playoff semi-final in Mexico, and if they win, they'll play Iraq for a spot in the finals.

Menzo expressed pride in what the team achieved together, saying, “I am immensely proud of what we have achieved together, and it has been a great honour for me to be part of this extraordinary journey.” He added that he believes taking a step back is the right decision, wishing the players, staff, and board success in their quest for World Cup qualification.

Suriname pulled off a dramatic last-gasp qualification to the March inter-confederation playoffs, thanks to a fortuitous own goal. They finished as one of the top two runners-up in the Concacaf zone and will face Bolivia in the playoff semi-final in Mexico.

𝗕𝗿𝗲𝗮𝗸𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗡𝗲𝘄𝘀 🚨 | 𝘚𝘵𝘢𝘯𝘭𝘦𝘺 𝘔𝘦𝘯𝘻𝘰 𝘩𝘢𝘴 𝘰𝘧𝘧𝘪𝘤𝘪𝘢𝘭𝘭𝘺 𝘴𝘵𝘦𝘱𝘱𝘦𝘥 𝘥𝘰𝘸𝘯 𝘢𝘴 𝘩𝘦𝘢𝘥 𝘤𝘰𝘢𝘤𝘩 𝘰𝘧 𝘚𝘶𝘳𝘪𝘯𝘢𝘮𝘦’𝘴 𝘯𝘢𝘵𝘪𝘰𝘯𝘢𝘭 𝘵𝘦𝘢𝘮.#suriname #stanleymenzo #WCqualifiers pic.twitter.com/u8WkdeSGYy

— NatioFootballScouts (@NatioFscouts) November 30, 2025

The stakes are high, as the winner will secure a spot in the playoff final against Iraq, with a place at the World Cup finals on the line. Suriname's unexpected qualification has given them a shot at making history.

“I am immensely proud of what we have achieved together, and it has been a great honour for me to be part of this extraordinary journey,” said Menzo, 62, in a statement.

“Nevertheless, I believe that taking a step back is the right decision at this time.

“I sincerely wish the players, staff and board much happiness, strength and success as they take this final decisive step in March. This comes from the bottom of my heart.”

After their loss to Guatemala, Suriname coach Stanley Menzo faced intense criticism from fans and the press, despite earlier praise. The backlash likely contributed to his decision to resign.

Suriname's chances of qualifying have been boosted by changes to nationality laws, allowing Dutch footballers with Surinamese roots to play for the team. This has strengthened their squad, making their World Cup qualification bid more feasible.