Explore the top football managers expected to lead national teams in World Cup 2026. Tactics, vision, and leadership shaping global football.
Top Managers Likely to Lead Nations in World Cup 2026
The FIFA World Cup 2026 promises to be one of the most expansive and competitive tournaments in history. With the format expanded to 48 teams, managerial acumen will be more important than ever. Nations across the globe are already positioning themselves strategically, appointing or retaining managers who can guide their teams through rigorous qualifying campaigns and onto the world stage.
In international Pragmatic Play demo, a manager isn’t just a tactician. He is a symbol of a nation’s footballing philosophy and often, its hope. The right leadership can turn a talented squad into champions—or revive a struggling team into dark horses.
This article explores the top managers most likely to lead national teams into the 2026 World Cup, analyzing their past achievements, tactical styles, and impact on global football development.
1. Didier Deschamps – France
Current Status: Head Coach, France National Team
Key Achievements: 2018 World Cup Winner, 2022 Finalist
Deschamps has been synonymous with French football success for over a decade. His balanced tactical system—blending pragmatism with flair—has maximized the potential of France’s golden generation.
Why He’ll Be in 2026:
- Strong support from the French Football Federation
- Proven record in managing tournament pressure
- A likely desire to finish the cycle with one last trophy
Unless there’s a surprise resignation or shift in FFF policy, Deschamps looks set to lead France in 2026.
2. Gareth Southgate – England
Current Status: Head Coach, England National Team
Key Achievements: Euro 2020 Finalist, 2018 World Cup Semi-finalist
Southgate has modernized England’s approach, creating a squad that is both tactically intelligent and mentally strong. Though often criticized for cautious tactics, his results speak volumes.
Why He’ll Be in 2026:
- England’s faith in long-term project management
- Strong player-coach relationships
- Experience navigating media and national pressure
Unless a disastrous Euro 2024 campaign leads to change, Southgate is likely to finish his tenure at World Cup 2026.
3. Lionel Scaloni – Argentina
Current Status: Head Coach, Argentina National Team
Key Achievements: 2022 World Cup Winner, 2021 Copa América Winner
Scaloni transformed Argentina from a disjointed team into a cohesive unit with a blend of youth and experience. His calm demeanor and player trust earned Argentina global supremacy.
Why He’ll Be in 2026:
- A strong rapport with stars like Messi and younger talents
- Tactical adaptability
- A project far from over
With Messi potentially making his final appearance in 2026, Scaloni’s leadership is crucial.
4. Hansi Flick – Germany
Current Status: Free Agent (Expected to return)
Key Achievements: Sextuple with Bayern Munich (2020)
Although Flick was dismissed by Germany after a poor run, his club credentials remain outstanding. Many expect him to return to the international scene—either with Germany again or another top-tier nation.
Why He’ll Be in 2026:
- Tactical pedigree and attacking philosophy
- Strong connections across European football
- Suitability for long-term project rebuilding
Germany or another ambitious football nation may bring him in ahead of 2026.
5. Luis de la Fuente – Spain
Current Status: Head Coach, Spain National Team
Key Achievements: UEFA Nations League Winner 2023
De la Fuente took over after Luis Enrique and has already instilled a fresh energy in La Roja. His familiarity with Spain’s youth system ensures continuity and tactical discipline.
Why He’ll Be in 2026:
- Follows in the footsteps of Spain’s tiki-taka heritage
- Strong player development background
- Backed by a nation rebuilding from post-2010 era
Spain’s federation values continuity, which likely keeps him through the World Cup.
6. Fernando Diniz – Brazil
Current Status: Interim Coach, Brazil (shared with Fluminense)
Key Achievements: Copa Libertadores 2023 Winner
Diniz has infused a bold and aggressive tactical system that resonates with Brazil’s attacking DNA. While his future remains uncertain, he’s in the conversation for the 2026 cycle.
Why He Might Be in 2026:
- Widely regarded as Brazil’s next full-time coach
- Players enjoy his progressive philosophy
- Potential to end Brazil’s World Cup drought
His appointment would mark a shift back to Brazilian authenticity in style.
7. Hervé Renard – France Women’s Team (Linked with Men’s Team Roles)
Current Status: France Women’s Team Manager
Key Achievements: AFCON wins with Zambia (2012) and Ivory Coast (2015)
Renard is one of the most successful international managers of his generation. With unmatched experience in African and Asian football, he’s tipped to return to the men’s game.
Why He Could Be in 2026:
- Versatility and success across continents
- Motivational and tactical flexibility
- Popular among both players and federations
He’s been linked with national teams like Saudi Arabia, Algeria, and even a return to Morocco.
8. Hajime Moriyasu – Japan
Current Status: Head Coach, Japan National Team
Key Achievements: 2022 World Cup Round of 16
Moriyasu has brought tactical depth and a fearless mentality to Japanese football. His ability to maximize emerging talent makes him indispensable.
Why He’ll Be in 2026:
- Strong results against top teams (e.g., Germany, Spain)
- Backed by Japan FA for long-term growth
- A generation of talented youth reaching peak age
Japan could be a real dark horse under his continued guidance.
9. Walid Regragui – Morocco
Current Status: Head Coach, Morocco National Team
Key Achievements: 2022 World Cup Semi-finalist
Regragui led Morocco to the greatest performance by an African team in World Cup history. His deep understanding of North African football and elite player management is unmatched.
Why He’ll Be in 2026:
- Unified Moroccan squad around national identity
- Tactically astute in big matches
- A strong core of players entering their prime
Regragui represents the evolution of African football on the global stage.
10. Gregg Berhalter – USA
Current Status: Head Coach, USMNT
Key Achievements: 2021 CONCACAF Gold Cup, Nations League 2021 & 2023
Tasked with preparing the host nation for 2026, Berhalter remains a controversial yet supported figure. His system-first approach has drawn mixed reviews, but the USSF has stood by him.
Why He’ll Be in 2026:
- Familiarity with the player pool
- Project continuity during a historic home World Cup
- Backing from US Soccer leadership
Berhalter is almost certain to be on the touchline when the USA kicks off the World Cup at home.
Conclusion: Leadership Will Define the 2026 World Cup
With 48 teams competing across North America, World Cup 2026 will test managerial talent like never before. The expanded format means more tactical diversity, player rotation, and cultural nuance. Whether it’s a world champion like Deschamps or a visionary like Regragui, the manager will be the fulcrum of every nation’s success.
From tactical formations to psychological preparation, these top managers are poised to influence the direction of global football for years to come.
Want to see your nation rise to glory in 2026? Support your national team and celebrate the vision of these top-tier managers. Stay connected, share their stories, and fuel the passion that unites us all through football. Let’s build the excitement together—because the next chapter in football history is being written now!
