Zidane's focus
The end of World Cup cycles often signals the appearance of many new faces on the coaching bench. In Europe, this trend is particularly clear when no less than 10 teams have appointed new coaches after the 2026 World Cup.
Most notably, Zidane, who won the 1998 World Cup and is a legend of the French national team, succeeded Didier Deschamps as head coach of the French national team, and former Liverpool coach Klopp, will lead the German national team, his homeland.
When Deschamps announced that the 2026 World Cup would mark the end of 14 years in his position as head coach of the French national team, only one name was mentioned by football fans across the country: "Zizou".
Leading the French national team is the only job I want. In the past four or five years, I have received many offers to lead a club but I have refused all to focus on the French national team. I am ready to accept challenges, that is the motivation that motivates me," Zidane shared.
Their wish has come true when in July this year, the French Football Federation appointed Zidane to lead the national team of this country. Previously, this legend had a very successful period when he helped Real Madrid win the UEFA Champions League 3 times in a row.
Zidane's first match in his new position is against Turkey away from home on September 25, followed by a match against Belgium on September 28. Zidane's first journey will close with two matches in October, when the French team will play at home to meet Italy and the second leg with Belgium.
The attraction from the star coaches
In addition to Zidane, Jurgen Klopp also received expectations when making his national team coaching debut with the German national team.
Never wearing the national team jersey when he was a player, Klopp is famous in the football world as a coach. After many glorious periods at Borussia Dortmund and Liverpool, and a period away from the boundary with the role of global sports director of Red Bull, Klopp will begin an adventure that many people in Germany believe will never happen.
This is truly the peak of my career, life and professional career. I will dedicate myself," Klopp said at the launching ceremony after Julian Nagelsmann left due to the disastrous defeat of the German national team at the World Cup.
Right in the first gathering, Klopp showed that he would do everything in his own way by calling up 44 players, divided into two teams, for the first matches under his leadership.
According to the schedule, the German team will successively meet the Netherlands (away on September 24), Greece (home September 27), Serbia (home, October 1) and Greece (away, October 4).
In addition to Klopp and Zidane, a series of other notable names will appear in the coaching position at the 2026-2027 Nations League. Jorge Jesus will make his debut for the Portuguese national team when the defending champions welcome Wales on September 24.
Former Barcelona star and 2010 World Cup champion, Xavi Hernandez, replaced Ronald Koeman as head coach of the Dutch national team.
Roberto Mancini, who helped Italy win EURO 2020, returned to try to revive the team that was declining and absent from 3 consecutive World Cups.
Former Bayern Munich and Dutch national team midfielder, Mark van Bommel, will lead the Belgian national team for the first time in his coaching career, against Italy. Meanwhile, Slaven Bilic will take over the position of head coach of the Croatian national team for the second time, after six years of success from 2006-2012.
Coach Luis de la Fuente, who led the Spanish national team to win the World Cup and EURO, will continue in office. He has been extended his contract until 2032. The Spanish national team will begin its journey to conquer the Nations League title for the second time with an exciting match against Thomas Tuchel's England team at Wembley Stadium on September 26.
