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A number of managers who led their national teams at the 2026 FIFA World Cup have stepped down from their roles following the tournament, with several high-profile names now exploring fresh challenges in their careers.

Didier Deschamps has ended his 14-year tenure as France’s head coach. His team narrowly missed out on reaching a third successive World Cup final, concluding an era defined by remarkable success. The 57-year-old guided France to triumph at the 2018 World Cup and the 2021 UEFA Nations League, while also achieving runners-up finishes at Euro 2016 and the 2022 World Cup.

Deschamps is now expected to take a break, having shared that he wishes to spend time with family after the passing of his mother during the 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. Though he has not managed a club side since 2012, Deschamps is anticipated to draw considerable interest from teams looking for an experienced leader.

Julian Nagelsmann has also vacated his post with Germany, despite expressing a desire to continue. His departure follows Germany’s shock last-32 elimination by Paraguay. The disappointing World Cup campaign prompted a change in direction, leaving Nagelsmann without a position for now.

At just 38, Nagelsmann remains younger than Lionel Messi, yet already boasts significant managerial experience. He has overseen eight Bundesliga seasons, captured a league title with Bayern Munich, and managed Germany in two major international tournaments.

Meanwhile, Roberto Martinez has stepped aside as Portugal’s head coach after a lacklustre World Cup showing that ended with a loss to Spain in the round of 16. The 53-year-old Spaniard has spent ten years in international management—first with Belgium and then Portugal—but many feel he underachieved despite having two world-class squads at his disposal.

“It’s the end of the cycle,” Martinez said upon announcing his departure. “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 has also chosen to leave his role with Croatia after nine years at the helm. During his tenure, Dalic led the nation to a runners-up finish at the 2018 World Cup, a third-place finish at the 2022 edition, and a silver medal in the 2023 UEFA Nations League. His managerial journey has included roles in Croatia, Albania, the UAE, and Saudi Arabia, and his recent record could attract interest from clubs in Europe’s top leagues.

Steve Clarke has decided to step aside from managing Scotland, calling it the ‘right time’ to do so after the 2026 World Cup. Although he faced criticism for Scotland’s performances in North America, the campaign marked the country’s first appearance on football’s biggest stage since 1998. During Clarke’s seven-year term, Scotland ended a 22-year drought without qualifying for a major international competition, restoring pride and competitiveness to the national side.