Five Coaches from the 2026 World Cup Now Seeking New Positions

Following the 2026 World Cup, several well-known managers have left their national teams and are now exploring fresh opportunities. Some of these names are familiar faces who guided their squads through major tournaments over many years.

Didier Deschamps

Didier Deschamps ended his 14-year tenure as head coach of France after narrowly missing out on a third consecutive World Cup final. The former French captain led the team to victory at the 2018 World Cup and secured the 2021 UEFA Nations League title, alongside runner-up finishes at Euro 2016 and the 2022 World Cup.

The 57-year-old revealed plans to take a break, citing the need to spend time with family after the passing of his mother during the tournament. Though he hasn't coached a club side since 2012, there could be interest in bringing him back into club football.

“I’ll go on vacation to spend time with my loved ones. We’ve expended a lot of energy, and what happened in my personal life—I wouldn’t wish that on anyone,” Deschamps said.

Julian Nagelsmann

Julian Nagelsmann parted ways with Germany after an unexpected last-32 exit against Paraguay, despite his wish to continue leading the team. At just 38 years old, younger than Lionel Messi, Nagelsmann has already managed eight Bundesliga seasons, won a league title with Bayern Munich, and taken Germany through two major tournaments.

Roberto Martinez

After Portugal’s disappointing exit in the Round of 16 against Spain, Roberto Martinez stepped down as their manager. The 53-year-old Spaniard has spent a decade coaching at the international level with Belgium and Portugal but is seen as having fallen short with two very talented squads.

“It’s the end of the cycle,” Martinez stated. “It’s important to have a new voice, a new leader. I take with me the memories, and hope that Portugal has good memories in the three and a half years I was head coach. It was the experience of my life.”

He added that his departure wasn’t pre-planned but based on not achieving the goal of winning the World Cup.

Zlatko Dalic

Zlatko Dalic ended his nine-year spell as Croatia’s coach following the tournament. Under his guidance, Croatia finished as runners-up at the 2018 World Cup and 2023 UEFA Nations League, and claimed third place at the 2022 World Cup.

Dalic’s club management background includes roles in Croatia, Albania, the UAE, and Saudi Arabia. His recent accomplishments may attract interest from top-tier European clubs.

Steve Clarke

Steve Clarke chose to step down as Scotland’s manager after the 2026 World Cup. Scotland returned to the World Cup stage for the first time since 1998, though Clarke faced criticism for their performance in North America.

Before Clarke took charge seven years ago, Scotland had endured a 22-year absence from major tournaments, highlighting some of the progress made under his leadership despite recent setbacks.