2026 World Cup: 18 managers have left their posts

The 2026 World Cup marked the end of an era for several national teams. At the conclusion of the tournament hosted in the United States, Canada, and Mexico, 18 managers stepped down from their roles—more than a third of the 48 participating nations.

End of an era for several football icons

Among the most notable departures is Didier Deschamps, who leaves the French national team after 14 years at the helm. Zlatko Dalić also closed the chapter with Croatia after nine years in charge, while Steve Clarke brought his tenure with Scotland, which began in 2019, to an end.

Tunisia was the only team to change managers twice during this period. Sabri Lamouchi was dismissed after the loss to Sweden in the opening game, and his successor, Hervé Renard, chose to step down at the end of the competition. In Germany, Julian Nagelsmann reportedly preferred to resign rather than be dismissed, according to several reports following the tournament.

The 18 managers who left after the World Cup

• Didier Deschamps (France)
• Roberto Martínez (Portugal)
• Zlatko Dalić (Croatia)
• Javier Aguirre (Mexico)
• Ronald Koeman (Netherlands)
• Sebastián Beccacece (Ecuador)
• Marcelo Bielsa (Uruguay)
• Steve Clarke (Scotland)
• Hong Myung-bo (South Korea)
• Sabri Lamouchi (Tunisia)
• Hervé Renard (Tunisia)
• Miroslav Koubek (Czech Republic)
• Pape Thiaw (Senegal)
• Rudi Garcia (Belgium)
• Carlos Queiroz (Ghana)
• Jamal Sellami (Jordan)
• Vladimir Petković (Algeria)
• Julian Nagelsmann (Germany)

As with every World Cup, several federations have chosen to start a new cycle. With contract expirations, resignations, and dismissals, this tournament could spark major movement in the coaching market over the coming months, as several major footballing nations search for new managers.

Aliou Toundé |

Editorfr