Star coaches make their bows as Nations League returns
World Cup cycles often bring new coaches, but the 2026 cycle has seen an unusually high turnover, with 10 European nations appointing new coaches.
The 2026/27 Nations League commences on Thursday, drawing attention to the touchlines as a roster of high-profile new coaches prepare to make their international debuts. Jurgen Klopp, the former Liverpool manager, and Zinedine Zidane, the three-time Champions League-winning France legend, headline the coaching changes.
Zidane, who succeeded Didier Deschamps as France's head coach, is set to lead Les Bleus in their first matches against Turkey and Belgium, followed by an encounter with Italy at the Stade de France. France fans are eagerly awaiting Klopp's appointment as Germany's coach, with the charismatic 59-year-old revealing that this role is his professional career's high point.
Other notable coaches joining the Nations League fold include Jorge Jesus, who will lead Portugal against Wales, Xavi Hernandez replacing Ronald Koeman as the Netherlands' coach, Roberto Mancini returning to manage Italy after their Euro 2020 triumph, and Mark van Bommel overseeing Belgium's match against Italy. Slaven Bilic will return to coach Croatia for the second time.
Spain's World Cup and European Championship-winning coach Luis de la Fuente, however, remains in charge of his world champions, set to begin their pursuit of a second Nations League title with a match against England at Wembley.
Written by urgent.news from Free Malaysia Today's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
Also reported by 2 other outlets
- Star coaches make their bows as Nations League returns freemalaysiatoday.com
- Star coaches make their bows as Nations League returns nst.com.my
