The 2026/27 UEFA Nations League is set to kick off with a mix of star players, big international rivalries, and several high-profile new faces in the dugout. Among the coaches beginning new chapters are former Liverpool manager Jürgen Klopp with Germany, Barcelona and Spain great Xavi Hernández with the Netherlands, France legend Zinédine Zidane, and Roberto Mancini, who returns for a second spell with Italy. Portugal, Belgium, Croatia, and Czechia will also begin the League A campaign with new coaches.
Jürgen Klopp, who has joined Germany, arrives in international football after more than two decades of club management, making his first venture into coaching a national team. His most recent job was at Liverpool, where he spent nine years before leaving in 2024. Klopp's time at Anfield produced the UEFA Champions League title in the 2018/19 season and the Premier League title the following campaign. He described the Germany job as "the pinnacle, the absolutely high point of my footballing career as coach," adding that he will give everything he has got.
Xavi Hernández, who has taken over as the Netherlands coach, brings a remarkable playing pedigree to his new role. The former Barcelona midfielder won eight league titles and four Champions League titles during 17 first-team seasons at Barcelona. With Spain, he won the European Championship in 2008 and 2012, with the 2010 World Cup triumph in between. Xavi moved into coaching in 2019, leading Al-Sadd to the Qatari league title before returning to Barcelona in November 2021. His appointment in the Netherlands also has a cultural connection, as he was developed at Barcelona's academy and has a special connection to Dutch football.
Jorge Jesus has taken over as Portugal coach, and the reigning Nations League champions begin their title defense with him at the helm. The 72-year-old former midfielder built his reputation in Portugal, most notably winning three league titles with Benfica. Jesus has also had success beyond Europe, winning the Brazilian league and Copa Libertadores with Flamengo in 2019 before claiming another league title in Saudi Arabia last season. He has already made his expectations clear, stating that he wants his players to understand that if they want to win, they have to pay the price.
Zinédine Zidane, who has joined France, arrives with a combination of playing and coaching pedigree. The France legend scored twice in the 1998 World Cup final as France lifted the trophy and was also part of the team that won EURO 2000. As a coach, Zidane made history at Real Madrid by leading the Spanish giants to three consecutive Champions League titles after taking charge in 2016. He has been away from club management since leaving Real Madrid, but he rejected several club offers because he was waiting for the France job.
Roberto Mancini has returned for a second spell as Italy coach, and his biggest achievement came when he led Italy to glory at EURO 2020. Mancini also guided Italy to third place in the Nations League in both the 2020/21 and 2022/23 editions. His club career includes league titles in England, Italy, and Qatar. As a player, Mancini made 36 appearances for Italy and was part of the squad that reached the semi-finals of EURO 1988. His return begins against Belgium, a team he famously defeated in the quarter-finals of EURO 2020.
The other new coaches in the League A campaign include Mark van Bommel, who has taken over as Belgium coach, and Slaven Bilić, who is returning as Croatia coach. Van Bommel has coached PSV, Wolfsburg, and Royal Antwerp, but his Belgium appointment represents his first opportunity to lead a national team. Bilić previously managed the Croatian national team between 2006 and 2012, taking charge of 65 matches and losing only eight. The League A campaign begins on Thursday, September 24, 2026, with several high-profile matches, including Netherlands vs Germany and Portugal vs Wales.
Key points
- Eight new coaches will lead their teams in the League A campaign of the 2026/27 UEFA Nations League.
- Jürgen Klopp, Xavi Hernández, and Zinédine Zidane are among the high-profile new coaches in the League A campaign.
- The League A campaign begins on Thursday, September 24, 2026, with several high-profile matches.
