CORNERFLICK
Following the 2026 World Cup, which saw Spain crowned champions under Luis de la Fuente, 20 of the 48 participating nations have changed their head coaches.
The conclusion of the World Cup has triggered an unprecedented wave of managerial changes, with 20 of the 48 teams opting to usher in a new era under high-profile coaches. Among the most eye-catching appointments are Zinedine Zidane replacing Didier Deschamps as France manager, Jurgen Klopp coming out of retirement to take charge of Germany, and Xavi Hernandez being named the new Netherlands head coach.
The biggest move of all involves Zidane, who, after years of waiting, has finally succeeded Deschamps. The outgoing France coach stepped aside after a hugely successful spell that included winning the 2018 World Cup and the 2021 UEFA Nations League.
Speaking to Telefoot, Zidane said: “I had been waiting for my moment. I have fulfilled a long-held dream and had been eagerly waiting for this opportunity.”
Zidane will begin his tenure in the Nations League against Turkey, before facing a Belgium side managed by Mark van Bommel and Roberto Mancini’s Italy.
Meanwhile, Xavi Hernandez has returned to football after two years away from the game, succeeding Ronald Koeman as Netherlands head coach, having previously followed in the Dutchman’s footsteps at Barcelona.
Speaking at his unveiling, Xavi said: “I feel as though I’m going to the university of football. I have deep ties with this country, and I want my team always to play with passion and a desire to dominate possession.”
Elsewhere, Germany’s disappointing World Cup campaign prompted another major change, with Jurgen Klopp taking charge of Die Mannschaft after ending his association with Red Bull.
Klopp said: “The national team has the power to bring Germans together, and that is what makes this job so special.”
The managerial reshuffle has not been limited to Europe. Jorge Jesus has replaced Roberto Martinez as Portugal head coach, while Slaven Bilic has taken over from Zlatko Dalic in charge of Croatia.
Robert Moreno has been appointed South Korea manager, while major changes have also taken place across other continents. Rafa Marquez has taken charge of Mexico, Diego Forlan has been named Uruguay’s interim head coach, Patrick Vieira has taken the reins in Senegal, Marcelo Gallardo has been appointed Ecuador manager, and Herve Renard is now in charge of Ivory Coast.
With so many high-profile appointments in the aftermath of the World Cup, the landscape of international football has been dramatically reshaped ahead of the next major cycle.