Fernando Hierro took charge of the Spain national team hours before the start of the World Cup, following a shocking dismissal of Lopetegui. However, he failed to make a positive impact in such a short time as Spain drew with Portugal and Morocco and earned a narrow win over Iran in the group stage. A shocking defeat from the hosts followed in the round of 16 and a resignation looked like the only alternative for former Real Madrid defender. He and the Spanish Football Federation took some time to contemplate on the future but arrived to a mutual agreement to part ways. Hierro also stepped down from his role as a sporting director at the national team.