The 2026 FIFA World Cup is over with Spain as solid winners with only a backwards goal throughout the tournament! – But the shock waves continue to roll. While the latter cheered for the winners, a completely different drama has unfolded behind the scenes: a massive exit of national team managers unprecedented in modern times.
The entire tournament with Mexico, the United States and Canada as host nations will, for better or worse, change football forever. – It will be exciting to see if the world is ready to save football from money-greedy crooks.
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As many as 18 national teams have already fired or thanked their national team managers – and more may follow. The international coaching market is in full swing, and the biggest names are queuing up for new challenges.
💥 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). Famous 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 most high-profile national team managers 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 appointed Mark van Bommel as their new boss, and Germany are preparing for a new era under none other than Jürgen Klopp – a signing that sends 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, who has been in charge of Les Bleus for over a decade. French football 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 were on the front foot and tempted with a huge salary, but were turned down and eventually hired Andrea Pirlo. But according to sources close to the manager, he is considering taking a sabbatical before throwing himself into another big project. – But, there is a big BUT. Many believe that England should get rid of Thomas Tuchel and convince that Pep Guardiola can both relax and bring football home, first the European Championship on home soil in two years and 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 after he led them to gold. 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 18 national teams, the hunt is already underway: new projects, new philosophies and new goals. The European Championship in 2028, the Copa América and not least the World Cup in 2030 – that’s where the eyes are now directed.
One thing is certain: The coaching merry-go-round has never gone faster. And this is just the beginning.
Pep Guardiola takes a Jürgen Klopp
