Top 20 Football Managers in the World Ranked for 2026
The landscape of world football coaching features a blend of seasoned veterans who have collected numerous trophies and emerging managerial talents eager to leave their mark. The 2025-26 season has closed, and with the 2026 World Cup underway, top club and national team managers have the chance to build on their reputations.
Our updated rankings consider several factors: trophies won, recent achievements, career longevity, and performance relative to expectations. Managers without recent games, including those currently unemployed or focused only on international duties, are ranked lower.
20. Andoni Iraola - Liverpool
When Bournemouth replaced Gary O'Neil with Andoni Iraola, many were skeptical. Yet, after an initial adjustment period, Iraola transformed the team's style into a hardworking, confident side, guiding them to their highest Premier League points total and Europa League qualification. Now at Liverpool with a two-year contract, it's uncertain if he can replicate that success at a bigger club.
19. Christian Chivu - Inter Milan
A former Inter player with a decorated past including three Serie A titles and a Champions League win, Chivu stepped into management with Parma, preserving their Serie A status before taking over at Inter Milan. Winning the Scudetto recently shows promise for this 45-year-old Romanian's managerial future.
18. Luis de la Fuente - Spain
After progressing through Spain's youth teams, de la Fuente took charge of the senior squad in 2022. Euro 2024 saw Spain dominate under his leadership, winning all seven matches, including a 2-1 victory over England in the final. With a talented young group, he's shaping Spain into a dominant force ahead of the World Cup.
17. Enzo Maresca - Manchester City
Replacing Pep Guardiola at Manchester City, Maresca brings experience from his Club World Cup and Europa Conference League wins. Despite a rocky exit from Chelsea due to strained relations, City's strong backing may allow him to blend his tournament success with Premier League consistency.
16. Carlo Ancelotti - Brazil
One of the rare individuals to win the European Cup as both player and coach, Ancelotti's 30-year managerial career is illustrious. He's claimed league titles in Spain, Germany, Italy, and France, and five Champions League trophies—the most in history. Now leading Brazil, his task is to revive their fortunes after an early World Cup exit.
15. Jose Mourinho - Real Madrid
Mourinho's trophy haul spans Portugal, England, and beyond, marking him as one of football’s all-time great managers. Recent years saw less success during stints at Fenerbahce and Benfica. At Real Madrid, he'll need to manage a star-studded squad with strong personalities to reclaim silverware.
14. Diego Simeone - Atletico Madrid
Simeone has been a fixture in Europe's top leagues for nearly a decade, guiding Atletico Madrid to consistent success in La Liga and the Champions League. Known for his pragmatic approach, he commands the highest salary in football, £25.9 million annually, justified by regular deep runs in continental competitions despite accumulating some trophyless seasons.
13. Simone Inzaghi - Al-Hilal
Ranked above some notable names in 2025, Inzaghi’s move to the Middle East caused a dip in his standing. He secured the Serie A title with Inter Milan, narrowly missed Champions League glory twice, and surprisingly led Al-Hilal to knock out Manchester City from the Club World Cup. His lack of a major European title limits his ranking.
12. Xabi Alonso - Chelsea
Alonso impressed during his tenure at Bayer Leverkusen, leading the team to a Bundesliga title and DFB Pokal victory, as well as a record unbeaten streak. Despite a loss in the Europa League final, his reputation soared, earning a move to Real Madrid. His spell there ended sooner than expected, and now he prepares for his Chelsea challenge.
11. Jurgen Klopp - Germany
Though Germany fell short at Euro 2024 and suffered a historic penalty shootout loss to Paraguay in the World Cup round of 32, hopes remain high for the future under Klopp. After two years away from management, Klopp returned following Nagelsmann’s departure. His ability to extract peak performances without lavish resources has earned him respect, which he’ll now apply to rejuvenate the German national team.
