Mass Exodus: 17 International Managers Leave Posts After 2026 FIFA World Cup
The conclusion of the 2026 FIFA World Cup has set off a sweeping wave of managerial changes across global football, with 17 national team coaches departing their roles either during or shortly after the tournament. The exits—ranging from contract expirations and voluntary resignations to outright sackings—have reshuffled the leadership of several prominent footballing nations.
Tunisia Makes Early Move, Sacks Sabri Lamouchi Mid-Tournament
Tunisia became the first nation to act, dismissing head coach Sabri Lamouchi while the World Cup was still in progress following a heavy 5–1 defeat to Sweden. His successor, Hervé Renard, has also since left the position, leaving the Carthage Eagles in search of stability.
European Giants See Changes: Germany, Portugal, Netherlands, Belgium, France
Several European heavyweights parted ways with their managers after their World Cup campaigns ended. Germany’s Julian Nagelsmann, Portugal’s Roberto Martínez, the Netherlands’ Ronald Koeman, Belgium’s Rudi Garcia, and France’s Didier Deschamps all exited their roles. Deschamps concluded a storied tenure that included winning the 2018 World Cup, stepping down when his contract expired. The French Football Federation (FFF) has announced it will unveil the new manager on July 28, with Zinedine Zidane widely tipped to take over.
Elsewhere, Croatia’s Zlatko Dalic also left after his contract ended, while Portugal has already confirmed Jorge Jesus as their new head coach. Former Liverpool manager Jürgen Klopp is set to take the reins of the German national team, according to Bundesliga sources.
Coaches from Africa, Asia, and the Americas Also Depart
The list of outgoing managers extends beyond Europe. Ecuador’s Sebastián Beccacece, Uruguay’s Marcelo Bielsa, Scotland’s Steve Clarke, South Korea’s Hong Myung-bo, the Czech Republic’s Miroslav Koubek, Senegal’s Pape Thiaw, Ghana’s Carlos Queiroz, and Jordan’s Jamal Sellami have all moved on. Mexico’s Javier Aguirre also left his post after the tournament.
Uncertain Futures for Algeria and South Africa Coaches
While most changes have been finalized, the situations of two coaches remain unresolved. Algeria’s Vladimir Petkovic and South Africa’s Hugo Broos have yet to have their futures decided, leaving their respective football associations with pending decisions.
Fallout: Pape Gueye Quits Senegal National Team
In a related development, Senegal’s AFCON 2025-winning goalscorer Pape Gueye announced his retirement from the national team following the World Cup. The Villarreal midfielder stated he will not return until head coach Pape Thiaw and his coaching staff leave their roles, as reported by Legit.ng.
