National soccer team coach predictions: Projected landing spots for Jurgen Klopp, Pep Guardiola and more

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With the 2026 FIFA World Cup now concluded, federations around the world are planning how to transition into the next four-year cycle, eyeing the 2030 tournament as well as their continental competitions in between.

A number of major international jobs are now open, with top teams all over the world hoping to find the best candidate to lead them into the future.

World Cup finalists France are moving on from Didier Deschamps, while other major European nations such as Italy, Belgium, Portugal and Germany are also changing head coaches.

The Sporting News brings you a look at which positions opened up at the end of the World Cup and where the top candidates might end up.

MORE: Candidates for the USMNT head coach position if Mauricio Pochettino leaves

What national team jobs are open?

The following national team jobs are open as of the end of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, with those that have been filled listed.

Argentina

The Argentina position is not open yet, but it has been included on this list regardless since it is heavily expected that Lionel Scaloni will depart the position once his contract expires in December. He indicated as much after the World Cup final but stopped just short of confirming it would happen. It makes too much sense to replace Scaloni with Mauricio Pochettino, who just cut his international teeth with the United States and has managed Lionel Messi before at PSG.

Prediction: Mauricio Pochettino

Belgium— Filled

Rudi Garcia departed Belgium after they were beaten in the quarterfinals by eventual champions Spain. However, they moved quickly to hire Mark Van Bommel to replace him.

Croatia

The second-longest tenured head coach at the World Cup was Zlatko Dalic, who ushered in the Golden Generation of Croatia and had been in charge of the national team since 2017. However, his contract was not renewed after the 2026 tournament ended, and he could be replaced by his longtime assistant Ivica Olic to keep continuity strong.

Prediction: Ivica Olic

Ecuador

Sebastian Beccacede left his post after Ecuador disappointed with a Round of 32 defeat to Mexico at the Azteca.

Prediction: Miguel Angel Ramirez

France — Filled

Didier Deschamps has departed his post after a massively successful 14 years in charge of his home country. It's widely believed that Zinedine Zidane will be taking over.

Germany — Filled

Julian Nagelsmann was dismissed after Germany crashed out of the World Cup in the Round of 32 on a penalty shootout against Paraguay. It's widely believed that an announcement to replace him with Jurgen Klopp is on its way.

Italy

Following their third missed World Cup in a row, the Italian federation has cleaned house and is seeking a new head coach after dismissing Gennaro Gattuso. They're chasing Pep Guardiola, but his salary demands may force them to look elsewhere.

Prediction: Antonio Conte

Mexico — Filled

Javier Aguirre guided Mexico to the Round of 16 at the World Cup, and they were on the brink of an upset of England, but couldn't get the job done at the Azteca, and Aguirre's contract was not renewed. He was replaced by Mexico legend Rafa Marquez, who has been coaching with the federation since he retired a few years ago.

Netherlands

Ronald Koeman was let go after the Netherlands disappointed with a penalty shootout elimination to Morocco in the Round of 32.

Prediction: Arne Slot

Portugal -- Filled

Roberto Martinez departed after Round of 16 elimination at the World Cup, and he was replaced by Cristiano Ronaldo's club coach at Al Nassr, Jorge Jesus.

Scotland

After a disappointing exit in the group stage, Scotland dismissed Steve Clarke from his post. Finding someone experienced like Roberto Martinez could be a good play.

Prediction: Roberto Martinez

United States

Mauricio Pochettino's contract has run out and he is still deciding on whether to return. As of now the position is open, and a host of candidates are hoping to be considered. Pellegrino Materazzo is the most experienced and accomplished American manager on the market right now.

Prediction: Pellegrino Materazzo

Where will Pep Guardiola land?

Every team in the world, club or country, would hire Pep Guardiola in an instant if given the opportunity.

There are two things that must happen for Guardiola to join: First, he must be interested in the position. Second, they must be able to afford his salary.

Guardiola reportedly had discussions with the Italian federation, but reports quickly emerged that he demanded an exorbitant salary of €20 million per year, which is almost double any other international coach. The highest-paid international manager at the moment is Carlo Ancelotti of Brazil, who earns about $11 million per year. For comparison, Mauricio Pochettino's contract with the United States saw him earn $6 million per year, a salary which required U.S. Soccer to seek outside investment.

International federations just do not have the spending ability that money-making machines at the top of club football have, so Guardiola would likely need to take a significant pay cut to coach at the international level.

Where will Zinedine Zidane land?

For years, it has been a foregone conclusion that Zinedine Zidane would take over for Didier Deschamps whenever the France manager decided to call time.

Then it was announced before the World Cup that Deschamps would step down at the end of the 2026 tournament, and shortly after reports confirmed that Zidane would indeed take over.

This has been a coaching transition expected for years, and one that will come as a surprise to no one. Zidane has been waiting for this job to open forever.