World Cup 2026: Which countries have changed managers?

It would be fair to say that international football management has become a cut-throat business if the 2026 World Cup is anything to go by.

Belgium boss Rudi García’s exit following the expiry of his contract on July 31 took the number of managerial departures to 17 this summer.

Read on as we look at which managers have left their roles this summer, before assessing some of the noteworthy appointments to replace them.

International managerial exits: Summer 2026

• Didier Deschamps (France) – Ended his 14-year spell in charge after the World Cup.
• Roberto Martínez (Portugal) – Resigned after Portugal’s round of 16 defeat to Spain.
• Julian Nagelsmann (Germany) – Quit after Germany were beaten by Paraguay in the round of 32.
• Rudi García (Belgium) – Exited following Belgium’s run to the quarter-finals.
• Zlatko Dalić (Croatia) – Ended his tenure following Croatia’s round of 32 exit against Portugal.
• Javier Aguirre (Mexico) – Resigned after Mexico lost against England in the round of 16.
• Ronald Koeman (Netherlands) – Left after the Netherlands exited in the round of 32.
• Sebastián Beccacece (Ecuador) – Resigned after Ecuador’s round of 32 elimination.
• Marcelo Bielsa (Uruguay) – Stepped down after Uruguay’s World Cup campaign.
• Steve Clarke (Scotland) – Resigned after Scotland failed to progress beyond the group stage.
• Hong Myung-bo (South Korea) – Left after South Korea’s early exit.
• Sabri Lamouchi (Tunisia) – Sacked after Tunisia’s opening 5–1 defeat at the tournament.
• Miroslav Koubek (Czechia) – Stepped down following Czechia’s group-stage elimination.
• Pape Thiaw (Senegal) – Had his contract terminated after Senegal’s exit.
• Carlos Queiroz (Ghana) – Resigned after Ghana were eliminated in the round of 32.
• Jamal Sellami (Jordan) – Left his position after Jordan’s early exit.
• Vladimir Petković (Algeria) – Exited following Algeria’s disappointing campaign.

Zidane & Klopp headline new managerial appointments

Zinedine Zidane and Jürgen Klopp are the standout names on the list of replacements announced by international federations to date.

Zidane, a World Cup winner with France in 1998, has been out of management since leaving Real Madrid for a second time in 2021.

The 54-year-old has now been tasked with building on the foundations laid by Deschamps. He will lead France through the 2030 World Cup qualifiers.

“I’ve often said it – there’s nothing greater than the French national team,” Zidane said. “So, it’s a joy and obviously a great source of pride to become the manager of this French national team.

“It’s also a responsibility. I want to thank [French Football Federation] president Philippe Diallo, the executive committee, and the French Football Federation for their confidence and acknowledge the 14 years of service from Didier and his staff.

“I also have a special thought for all my coaches. Needless to say, I have high ambitions for the French national team.”

The German Football Association’s decision to turn to Klopp was no real surprise given the lack of viable alternatives.

The 59-year-old previously re-established Liverpool as a force in English football, before joining Red Bull GmbH as Head of Global Soccer in January 2025.

He will now work to restore the fortunes of a team which has struggled to live up to its billing since last winning the World Cup in 2014.

Portugal will embark on a new era after Martínez stepped aside. Jorge Jesus has replaced him after spending the last three years in the Saudi Pro League.

Jesus must determine how best to handle veteran forward Cristiano Ronaldo, who has given no indication that he will retire from international football.

Martínez made the mistake of pandering to Ronaldo at the World Cup, and his decision ultimately resulted in them making an early exit from the tournament.

Jesus, who managed Ronaldo at Al-Nassr last season, has suggested that the 41-year-old will be part of his upcoming squad.

“As long as he’s playing and is in a condition to be selected, I will pick him, within certain limits and under the conditions that I consider best for the national team,” Jesus said.

“I haven’t spoken with Ronaldo yet. He is never going to be a problem for the national team. Not for the national team, nor for me.

“I had great pleasure working with him this past year – it’s easy to work with him.”

Mark van Bommel has replaced García as Belgium manager. He was previously in charge of PSV Eindhoven, VfL Wolfsburg, and Royal Antwerp.

He boosted his managerial reputation in Belgium by winning a league and cup double with Antwerp in 2023. That was their first league title since 1957.

Croatia have reappointed former defender Slaven Bilić as their manager. His first spell in charge of his country was from 2006 to 2012.

“I have complete confidence in our players, and it is my responsibility to bring energy, ambition and determination to ensure that Croatia remains among football’s elite,” Bilić said.

“I am genuinely happy to start this challenge and I feel fully prepared for it – as a more mature and experienced coach than in 2006, yet with the same motivation and desire to see Croatia stay powerful, bold and successful.”