Five 2026 World Cup managers now looking for new jobs | OneFootball

A whole host of 2026 World Cup coaches have departed their national teams following the tournament, with some big names now on the hunt for a new challenge.

Didier Deschamps

Didier Deschamps has called time on his France reign following 14 years in charge. Deschamps' side narrowly fell short of reaching a third consecutive World Cup final, with the former captain having overseen much success.

The 57-year-old won the 2018 World Cup and 2021 UEFA Nations League, alongside runners-up finishes at Euro 2016 and the 2022 World Cup.

A break is now expected, with Deschamps admitting he wanted time to reflect with family, following the passing of his mother mid-tournament.

“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,"he said.

He's not worked in club football since 2012, but Deschamps could find himself in demand.

Julian Nagelsmann

Julian Nagelsmann parted company with Germany despite insisting he wanted to continue on, following a shock last-32 exit to Paraguay. A disappointing World Cup campaign has instead prompted change, leaving Nagelsmann without a role.

It's easy to forget that Nagelsmann is still only 38 years old, younger than Lionel Messi, given his vast experience.

Already, he's managed in eight Bundesliga campaigns, won a league title at Bayern Munich, and led Germany at two major tournaments.

Roberto Martinez

Roberto Martinez is at a crossroads in his coaching career. The Spaniard's stepped down asPortugal manager following a disappointing World Cup campaign, in which his side lost to Spain in the last 16.

The 53-year-old has spent a decade in international football, first with Belgium and then with Portugal. The consensus is that he has underachieved with two supremely talented squads.

"It's the end of the cycle," Martinez said after announcing his exit.

"It's important to have a new voice, a new leader. I take with myself the memories, and hope that Portugal has good memories in the three and a half years I was head coach of the team. It was the experience of my life.

"It had not been decided previously [that I would leave after the tournament]. I came with the goal to win the World Cup, and because I did not win, it does not make sense to continue."

Zlatko Dalic

Zlatko Delic has walked away from Croatia after nine years in charge. Across that period, Dalic led Croatia to runners-up finishes at the 2018 World Cup and 2023 UEFA Nations League, and a third-place at the 2022 World Cup.

His experience of club management has taken in stints in Croatia, Albania, UAE and Saudi Arabia. A top-five league side could be tempted given his achievements in recent years.

Steve Clarke

Steve Clarke said it's the 'right time' to step away from Scotland after the 2026 World Cup. Clarke faced criticism for Scotland's showings in North America, on the country's return to the big stage for the first time since 1998.

Pre-Clarke's seven-year reign, however, Scotland had gone 22 years without qualifying for a major tournament.