The 2026/27 UEFA Nations League is set to kick off this week, featuring several high-profile coaches taking charge of national teams. Notable names include Jürgen Klopp, former Liverpool manager, with Germany; Xavi Hernández, Barcelona great, with the Netherlands; and Zinédine Zidane, France legend, with France. Other new coaches include Roberto Mancini with Italy, Jorge Jesus with Portugal, Mark van Bommel with Belgium, Slaven Bilić with Croatia, and Santi Denia with Czechia.
Jürgen Klopp will take charge of Germany for the first time, bringing his extensive club management experience. He previously managed Liverpool for nine years, winning the Champions League and Premier League title. Klopp described the Germany job as "the pinnacle, the absolute high point of my footballing career as coach." His first Nations League assignment is against the Netherlands on September 24. Klopp's impressive track record includes guiding Borussia Dortmund to two Bundesliga titles and the 2013 Champions League final.
Xavi Hernández brings an impressive playing pedigree to his first major international coaching role with the Netherlands. He won eight league titles and four Champions League trophies with Barcelona and was part of the Spanish team that won the European Championship and World Cup. Xavi began his coaching career in 2019 and guided Barcelona to the 2022/23 La Liga title. His appointment in the Netherlands carries a historical connection, citing the influence of Dutch football pioneers Johan Cruyff and Rinus Michels.
Portugal will begin their title defense under Jorge Jesus, who has managed several top clubs. Jesus won three league titles with Benfica and achieved success with Flamengo in Brazil and Al Nassr in Saudi Arabia. He described Cristiano Ronaldo as a "symbol of Portuguese football" and emphasized the need for his players to "pay the price" to win. Portugal's first match is against Wales on September 24.
Zinédine Zidane returns to management with France after a lengthy spell away from club football. He previously guided Real Madrid to three consecutive Champions League titles and won a Spanish league title. Zidane said he rejected several club offers while waiting for the France job, which begins against Türkiye on September 25. His experience as a player, including scoring twice in the 1998 World Cup final, is expected to benefit the French team.
Roberto Mancini returns for a second spell as Italy coach, having previously managed the Azzurri from 2018 to 2023. His biggest achievement was leading Italy to EURO 2020 glory. Mancini's club career includes league titles in England, Italy, and Qatar. He aims to make sure the team "is so beautiful and plays so well that the fans fall in love with it." Italy's first match is against Belgium on September 25.
The new coaches face challenging assignments, including Mark van Bommel's Belgium against Italy and Slaven Bilić's Croatia against Czechia. Santi Denia takes charge of Czechia, while other coaches prepare for their opening matches. The UEFA Nations League returns as European domestic football pauses for a 16-day international break, with the opening matchday scheduled to begin on September 24.
Key points
- Jürgen Klopp, Xavi Hernández, and Zinédine Zidane are among the high-profile coaches taking charge of national teams in the UEFA Nations League.
