Former Armenia Head Coach Set to Take Charge of Kazakhstan

Dutch specialist John van ’t Schip is set to become the new head coach of the Kazakhstan national football team. According to AmanVIBE, as cited by Sports.kz, the 62-year-old coach will be officially presented on August 7 at a special press conference organised by the Kazakhstan Football Federation.

The federation has not yet officially announced the identity of the new head coach, although it has confirmed that the presentation will take place at the House of Football in Astana.

Van ’t Schip’s most recent position was with the Armenian national team. The Dutch coach was appointed on February 17, 2025, but left the role on August 6, approximately six months after taking charge. The Football Federation of Armenia announced that the two parties had ended their cooperation by mutual agreement.

Armenia played four matches under van ’t Schip and failed to record a victory, suffering three defeats and earning one draw.

His first two games were against Georgia in the UEFA Nations League play-offs. Armenia lost the first leg in Yerevan 3–0 before suffering a heavy 6–1 defeat in the return match in Tbilisi. Georgia won the tie 9–1 on aggregate.

Van ’t Schip’s team played two more friendly matches in June. Armenia first lost 5–2 to Kosovo before drawing 2–2 with Montenegro.

The Dutch coach therefore finished his spell in charge of Armenia with three defeats and one draw. His team scored five goals and conceded 16.

Following van ’t Schip’s departure, Yeghishe Melikyan was appointed as Armenia’s new head coach. His appointment was approved by the Executive Committee of the Football Federation of Armenia on the same day the Dutch specialist’s departure was announced.

Kazakhstan are expected to continue their 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifying campaign under van ’t Schip.

During his coaching career, the Dutch specialist has also managed the Greece national team, Ajax, Twente, Zwolle, Mexican club Guadalajara and Australian side Melbourne City.