Does Mircea Lucescu continue on the national team bench? The conclusions of today's FRF meeting
Article by Daniel Grigore – Published Friday, February 20, 2026, 7:14 p.m. / Updated Friday, February 20, 2026, 7:14 p.m.
Today, on the day when the selector Mircea Lucescu (80 years old) is expected to return to Romania, a meeting was held at the FRF with the participation of the main decision-makers. At the end of it, Mihai Stoichiță, the technical director of the Federation, said that he expects Lucescu to remain on the bench for the qualifying round at the World Championship.
February 20, 2026 has been announced by the FRF as the key date for the future of the national team, where the federations and the coach decide who will sit on the bench at the end of March, when the World Cup qualification play-off is scheduled.
A decision in this regard has not yet been taken. GSP.ro will present the picture today: despite the fact that doctors and family recommended Mircea Lucescu to retire, given the medical problems he is facing, the experienced coach he wants to continue at the helm of the national team.
Through his words at the end of the FRF meeting, Mihai Stoichiță seemed to confirm the scenario.
Mihai Stoichiță, on Mircea Lucescu's future at the national team: “I think he will continue, he is a fighter”
“It was a normal meeting, which is every week, to present various technical projects, technical strategy meeting.
He will come [Mircea Lucescu] and then we will tell you. He's fine, from what I know and what I talked to him about yesterday, he's fine and he's coming home.
That's all I can tell you: it's good, he'll come and we'll see what decision he makes. Ultimately, the decision is his, not ours. I can't assume, you decide.
I think he will continue, because he is a fighter. It seems to me that his desire is to qualify the team for the World Cup. But it's just a guess. I'm glad it's okay, that's all. It is the most important thing,” Stoichiță said for orangesport.ro.
Mihai Stoichiță: “Me on the bench? Don't think about this anymore”
Asked if he could sit on the bench himself, in case Mircea Lucescu steps down and the Federation does not find a replacement in time, Stoichiță almost ruled out this option:
“I think my role is very clear. I was in this situation once before a few years ago, with Mutu, when they got sick with COVID. Then I had to, because it was a case of force majeure, two days before the match.
No, by no means. I have other duties at the Federation. But by the job description I am obliged if something happens one or two days before and you don't have any kind of solution. Otherwise, no. Don't think about it anymore.”
