The 2026 FIFA World Cup is over. Spain ran away with the gold – with only one goal in the entire tournament. But while the cheers are still resounding, a whole other drama is raging behind the scenes: A massive coaching exit unprecedented in modern times.
As many as 18 national teams have already fired or thanked their national team managers – and more may follow. The international coaching market is on the boil, and the biggest names are queuing up for new challenges.
Today, Tuesday, number 19 retired. Algeria’s national team manager Vladimir Petkovic.
💥 The stars that disappear – and come
Among the departures we find heavy names such as Julian Nagelsmann (Germany), Roberto Martínez (Portugal), Ronald Koeman (Netherlands), Marcelo Bielsa (Uruguay), Javier Aguirre (Mexico) and Rudi Garcia (Belgium).
Profiles such as Sebastián Beccacece, Zlatko Dalić, Steve Clarke and Carlos Queiroz have also said goodbye.
And it doesn’t stop there. The future of several of football’s biggest names hangs by a thread:
- Lionel Scaloni (Argentina)
- Didier Deschamps (France)
- Néstor Lorenzo (Colombia)
- Hajime Moriyasu (Japan)
“Everyone can be on their way out.
👑 The new kings await
While some are leaving, others are coming. Belgium have already hired Mark van Bommel as their new boss, and Germany are preparing for a new era under Jürgen Klopp – a signing that is sending shockwaves throughout football Europe.
But the biggest shot may come from France. There, everyone is waiting for Zinedine Zidane to take over from Didier Deschamps. French supporters are already dreaming of Zizou on the bench.
🧠 Guardiola – on hold?
Pep Guardiola is still the hottest name on the market. After ending his legendary club career, Italy was ahead with a gigantic salary – but was turned down. Now, according to sources, he is considering a sabbatical year before embarking on a new major project.
Many believe that England should get rid of Thomas Tuchel and convince Guardiola that he can both relax and bring football home – first the European Championship on home soil in two years, then the anniversary World Cup in four.
🇪🇸 No crises for everyone
While other countries are struggling to find direction, Spain is standing firm. They are holding on to World Cup winner Luis de la Fuente. And despite Brazil’s disappointing efforts, the federation has chosen to keep confidence in Carlo Ancelotti. Some simply don’t need to start over.
🔮 What now?
As always, a World Cup puts an end to one era – and starts a new one. For 19 national teams, the hunt is already underway. New projects, new philosophies and new goals. The European Championship in 2028, the Copa América and the World Cup in 2030 – that’s where the eyes are now turned.
Algerian national team manager Vladimir Petkovic resigned from his position on Monday.
One thing is for sure: The coaching merry-go-round has never gone faster. And this is just the beginning.
Kasper Høgh has made his Celtic debut – there is a smell of scoring here
Overview: National team managers who have left their positions after the 2026 World Cup
| Countries | Outgoing boss | Status | New boss (where known) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 🇩🇪 Germany | Julian Nagelsmann | Gone | Jürgen Klopp |
| 🇵🇹 Portugal | Roberto Martínez | Gone | Not clarified |
| 🇳🇱 Netherlands | Ronald Koeman | Gone | Not clarified |
| 🇺🇾 Uruguay | Marcelo Bielsa | Gone | Not clarified |
| 🇲🇽 Mexico | Javier Aguirre | Gone | Not clarified |
| 🇧🇪 Belgium | Rudi Garcia | Gone | Mark van Bommel |
| 🇦🇷 Argentina | Lionel Scaloni | Uncertain | – |
| 🇫🇷 France | Didier Deschamps | Uncertain | Zinedine Zidane (expected) |
| 🇨🇴 Colombia | Néstor Lorenzo | Uncertain | – |
| 🇯🇵 Japan | Hajime Moriyasu | Uncertain | – |
| 🏴 England | Thomas Tuchel | Uncertain | Pep Guardiola (rumor) |
| 🇩🇿 Algeria | Vladimir Petkovic | Gone | Not clarified |
| 🇭🇷 Croatia | Zlatko Dalić | Gone | Not clarified |
| 🏴 Scotland | Steve Clarke | Gone | Not clarified |
| 🇨🇦 Canada | – | – | – |
| 🇨🇲 Cameroon | – | – | – |
| 🇪🇨 Ecuador | – | – | – |
| 🇬🇭 Ghana | – | – | – |
The list is updated continuously.
