The 2026/27 Nations League is set to kick off on Thursday, with a star-studded lineup of new coaches making their international debuts. Among them are 1998 World Cup winner Zinedine Zidane, who has taken over as the new France boss, and former Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp, who is now in charge of Germany. This fresh crop of coaches is particularly notable, with 10 European nations appointing new coaches since the 2026 World Cup.
Zidane's appointment as France coach has generated significant excitement, with the 54-year-old set to oversee his first matches in charge. He will lead the team in friendlies against Turkey and Belgium before making his Nations League debut against Italy on October 2. Zidane, a three-time Champions League winner, had been the top choice to succeed Didier Deschamps as France boss, and he expressed his enthusiasm for the role, stating that it was the only job he wanted.
Klopp's appointment as Germany coach has also been well-received, with the 59-year-old charismatic manager set to bring his unique approach to the team. He has called up 44 players for his first matches in charge, divided into two squads, and will begin with games against the Netherlands and Greece. Klopp, who has previously managed Borussia Dortmund and Liverpool, described his new role as the "high point" of his career.
Other notable new coaches making their debuts in the Nations League include Jorge Jesus, who will lead Portugal against Wales, and Xavi Hernandez, who has taken over as Netherlands coach. Xavi, a 2010 World Cup winner, replaces Ronald Koeman and will begin his tenure with a match against Germany. Roberto Mancini, who masterminded Italy's Euro 2020 victory, is also set to make his mark in the competition.
The Nations League has become a significant platform for national teams to compete and develop, and the 2026/27 edition promises to be particularly exciting. With a host of new coaches at the helm, teams will be looking to make a strong impression and set the tone for the competition. The tournament will feature a range of matches, including Germany's games against the Netherlands and Greece, and France's encounters with Italy and Belgium.
Zidane and Klopp are both highly experienced coaches, with a wealth of knowledge and success in their respective careers. Zidane, who won the Champions League with Real Madrid, has expressed his readiness for the challenge of coaching France, while Klopp has vowed to give his all to the German team. Their debuts in the Nations League will be closely watched, as fans and pundits alike assess their prospects for success.
The Nations League will provide a valuable opportunity for teams to test themselves against top-quality opponents and fine-tune their strategies ahead of future competitions. With a range of exciting matches and new coaches to follow, the 2026/27 edition is set to be a thrilling and unpredictable ride. Fans can expect a high level of competition and drama as the teams battle for supremacy in the Nations League.
Key points
- Zinedine Zidane and Jurgen Klopp are set to make their international coaching debuts in the 2026/27 Nations League.
- A total of 10 European nations have appointed new coaches since the 2026 World Cup.
- The Nations League will feature a range of exciting matches, including Germany's games against the Netherlands and Greece, and France's encounters with Italy and Belgium.
