The 2026 FIFA World Cup is just eight days away from its opening match, which will see co-hosts Mexico face South Africa on June 11. All 48 participating nations have submitted their final squads, totaling 1,248 players, marking the largest World Cup in history under the expanded format.
As the tournament approaches, attention turns to the 48 managers leading their teams. Among them are some of the most renowned and highest-paid coaches in the world, including Carlo Ancelotti, Thomas Tuchel, and others. Below is a list of the top 10 highest-paid managers at the 2026 World Cup, based on reported annual salaries.
1. Carlo Ancelotti (Brazil) - £8.28 million per year
The former Chelsea and AC Milan boss took charge of Brazil in 2025 after leaving Real Madrid for the second time. He is the highest-paid coach at the tournament, earning approximately £8.28 million annually (around ₦15.2 billion).
2. Thomas Tuchel (England) - £5.05 million per year
Tuchel became the first German to manage the England national team in 2025, a decision that sparked controversy. He is tasked with ending England's 60-year wait for a major trophy and earns £5.05 million per year (₦9.3 billion).
3. Mauricio Pochettino (USA) - £4.5 million per year
Another former Chelsea manager, Pochettino took over the US Men's National Team in 2024 after leaving the Blues. As the host nation's coach, he aims for a deep tournament run and earns £4.5 million annually (₦8.3 billion).
4. Julian Nagelsmann (Germany) - £4.2 million per year
At 38, Nagelsmann is the youngest manager at the World Cup. He has led Germany since 2023 and guided them to Euro 2024. His task is to revive the team's fortunes after poor World Cup performances since 2014. He earns £4.2 million per year (₦7.7 billion).
5. Fabio Cannavaro (Uzbekistan) - £3.5 million per year
Uzbekistan's debut World Cup campaign is led by 2006 Ballon d'Or winner Cannavaro, who previously coached in China, Italy, Russia, and Saudi Arabia. He earns £3.5 million annually (₦6.43 billion).
6. Roberto Martinez (Portugal) - £3.5 million per year
The former Belgium boss took over Portugal after Euro 2024 and earns the same as Cannavaro.
7. Didier Deschamps (France) - £3.31 million per year
Deschamps, who led France to World Cup glory in 2018, continues his tenure and earns £3.31 million annually.
8. Lionel Scaloni (Argentina) - £2.61 million per year
The reigning World Cup champion manager from 2022 earns £2.61 million per year.
9. Marcelo Bielsa (Uruguay) - £2.61 million per year
The veteran Argentine coach, known for his intense style, earns the same as Scaloni.
10. Ronald Koeman (Netherlands) - £2.61 million per year
Koeman, in his second stint with the Dutch, rounds out the top ten with a £2.61 million salary.
In related news, a supercomputer prediction by Opta has named Spain as the leading favorite to win the 2026 World Cup, followed by France, England, Argentina, and Portugal. The tournament will be held across the United States, Mexico, and Canada.
