Top five coaches whose contracts expire after FIFA World Cup 2026 ft. Martinez & Deschamps

The flagship tournament, the FIFA World Cup, is all set to take place in Canada, Mexico and the USA!

Not every nation has a chance to get to the grandest stage of them all. This time around, the extended tournament is going to have 48 teams. The top countries are going to battle it out for the mega prize.

Other than players, the head coaches and the related staff also play an important role in the success of the national teams on the world stage. Having secured the FIFA World Cup five times (1958, 1962, 1970, 1994 and 2002), Brazil is the most successful nation in the competition.

Lionel Messi’s Argentina conquered the world stage in 2022. Head coach Lionel Scaloni played an important role in helping La Albiceleste bag FIFA’s flagship trophy for the second time. The two-time world champions will be defending their crown now, and it will be interesting to see the tactics by Scaloni this time around.

Some of the managers have entered the final phase of their contracts with their respective national teams. While a few are expected to renew, others could part ways and will likely begin a new journey post the FIFA World Cup 2026.

Also Read: FIFA World Cup 2026: Full squad lists for all 48 teams

Five managers whose contracts are set to expire

5. Didier Deschamps

Managing the France national football team since 2012, Didier Deschamps has played a major role in their 2018 triumph in Russia. He helped Les Bleus clinch their second FIFA World Cup. In the 2022 edition, they finished as the runners-up after falling to Argentina in the final.

Deschamps is going to lead France in the 2026 edition of the mega competition and is then going to step down.

4. Zlatko Dalić

Zlatko Dalić has been the head coach for the Croatia national football team since 2017. He led them to the FIFA World Cup final in 2018 and then helped them finish third in 2022. He is now in the final phase of his contract with Vatreni.

After FIFA’s flagship tournament in 2026, he might go on to manage a club. However, the details about his future are not yet clear.

3. Roberto Martinez

After taking over as the head coach for the Portugal national football team in 2023, he led them to their second Nations League trophy. Martinez will now be looking to put up a strong performance in the FIFA World Cup 2026.

His contract is going to end with the Selecao after the flagship tournament. Roberto Martinez might go on to manage a club. A good result at the grandest stage of them all can help him earn a contract extension with Portugal.

2. Ronald Koeman

Taking a well-balanced lineup to the upcoming World Cup, Ronald Koeman might have a chance to help the Netherlands national football team conquer the world. He took over the Oranje in 2023. His contract ends on July 31, 2026, which is just after the mega competition.

1. Mauricio Pochettino

Mauricio Pochettino has been leading the United States men’s national soccer team since 2024. He is yet to win a major title with the nation. His contract with the Yanks is going to end after the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

As per recent reports, Pochettino might go on to become the new head coach for AC Milan, who recently parted ways with Massimiliano Allegri after they failed to qualify for the Champions League.

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