Top 20 Football Managers in the World for 2026
The landscape of world football is shaped by a mix of seasoned managers with decorated careers and emerging coaches eager to leave their mark. With the 2025-26 season behind us and the 2026 World Cup underway, this is an ideal moment to assess the finest minds guiding clubs and national teams.
Our rankings reflect recent achievements, trophies, longevity, and performance relative to expectations. Managers without recent matches or currently unemployed are ranked lower.
20. Andoni Iraola – Liverpool
Iraola's appointment at Bournemouth initially surprised many, but his hard work and tactical approach brought record Premier League points and Europa League qualification, surpassing previous successes under Eddie Howe. His two-year contract with Liverpool now sets a new challenge to prove he can replicate that impact at a top club.
19. Christian Chivu – Inter Milan
The Romanian legend transitioned smoothly from player to coach, winning multiple titles with Inter during his playing days. After helping Parma avoid relegation, he stepped up as Inter's head coach, delivering a Serie A title last season and showing promise for further growth.
18. Luis de la Fuente – Spain
Rising through Spain’s youth ranks, de la Fuente took over the senior team in 2022 and led them to a flawless Euro 2024 victory, winning all seven matches including a final triumph over England. With a talented young squad, Spain looks set for continued dominance on the international stage.
17. Enzo Maresca – Manchester City
Replacing Pep Guardiola, Maresca brings experience from Chelsea and success in club tournaments. Despite a rocky exit from his previous job, his familiarity with tournament play combined with Man City's resources could make him thrive if he achieves consistent league results.
16. Carlo Ancelotti – Brazil
Ancelotti’s legacy spans decades, marked by multiple Champions League wins and league titles across Europe. Now leading Brazil, he faces the task of revitalizing the national team after their Round of 16 World Cup exit. Questions remain about his current form, though his status as one of football’s greats is unquestioned.
15. Jose Mourinho – Real Madrid
Mourinho’s trophy cabinet is vast, with successful spells at Chelsea and Manchester United. Recent challenges saw him at Fenerbahce and Benfica before Real Madrid gave him a chance to reclaim glory. Managing a squad full of strong personalities will test his tactical genius and leadership.
14. Diego Simeone – Atletico Madrid
Simeone has been a mainstay among Europe’s elite managers for nearly ten years. Known for a pragmatic style, he commands the highest salary worldwide. Though Atletico reached the Champions League semi-finals again, their trophy count has dwindled in recent years.
13. Simone Inzaghi – Al-Hilal
Inzaghi achieved notable success with Inter Milan, winning Serie A and narrowly missing out on Champions League titles twice. His move to Saudi Arabia followed a tough European defeat, and while he secured a Club World Cup win, the lack of a major European title keeps him from climbing higher.
12. Xabi Alonso – Chelsea
Alonso impressed at Bayer Leverkusen with a long unbeaten streak and a Bundesliga title, adding the 2024 German Cup. Though his team fell short in the Europa League final, Real Madrid secured his signature next. His tenure there was brief, and he is set to take charge at Chelsea soon.
11. Jurgen Klopp – Germany
Despite disappointing exits at Euro 2024 and the World Cup, Klopp is tasked with rebuilding the German national team. Returning after two years away, his proven ability to inspire teams with limited resources makes him a hopeful figure for future success.
