Big Money: Five highest-paid coaches at FIFA World Cup 2026

The expanded FIFA World Cup 2026 is finally underway amid concerns over U.S. immigration policies, soaring ticket prices and other off-field controversies. Yet, as the world’s biggest football tournament takes centre stage, attention is not only on the players, but also on the managers tasked with leading their nations to glory.

Modern international football has become increasingly competitive, with federations investing heavily in elite coaches whose experience and tactical expertise could prove decisive on the grandest stage.

Here are the five highest-paid managers competing for glory at the FIFA World Cup 2026:

1. Carlo Ancelotti (Brazil) – €10 million per year

Brazil made a major statement by appointing Carlo Ancelotti, making the Italian the highest-paid national team coach in world football.

The Brazilian Football Confederation (CBF) broke the bank to secure the services of the legendary manager, who is widely regarded as one of the greatest coaches in football history. Ancelotti is the most successful manager in UEFA Champions League history, having won the competition a record five times with AC Milan and Real Madrid.

No manager has ever won the FIFA World Cup while coaching a foreign nation. If anyone can rewrite that history, it may be Ancelotti, the only coach to have won league titles in all five of Europe’s major leagues. Brazil will be hoping his remarkable pedigree can deliver a record-extending sixth World Cup crown.

2. Julian Nagelsmann (Germany) – €7 million per year

Germany’s hopes rest with Julian Nagelsmann, one of football’s brightest tactical minds.

The former Bayern Munich coach, who won the Bundesliga title in 2023, is renowned for his innovative approach, tactical flexibility and modern football philosophy. Appointed in 2023, Nagelsmann was tasked with restoring Germany’s identity and competitiveness following a series of disappointing tournament campaigns.

At just 38, he is among the youngest managers at the tournament and carries the weight of expectations from a nation that has won the World Cup four times.

3. Mauricio Pochettino (United States) – €6 million per year

With the United States hosting the tournament, pressure is immense on Mauricio Pochettino to deliver a memorable campaign.

The former Tottenham Hotspur, Paris Saint-Germain and Chelsea manager brings extensive experience from elite European club football. Known for developing young talent and building highly competitive teams, Pochettino has been entrusted with guiding the U.S. to its best-ever modern World Cup performance.

4. Thomas Tuchel (England) – €5.8 million per year

England turned to Thomas Tuchel in pursuit of a first major international trophy since 1966.

The German tactician boasts an impressive résumé that includes UEFA Champions League success with Chelsea in 2021. Having also managed Paris Saint-Germain and Bayern Munich, Tuchel’s expertise in knockout football is viewed as a major asset for a talented England squad desperate to end decades of hurt.

5. Roberto Martinez (Portugal) – €4.5 million per year

Rounding out the top five is Portugal coach Roberto Martinez.

The Spaniard built his reputation during a successful spell with Belgium, guiding the country’s celebrated “golden generation” to a third-place finish at the 2018 FIFA World Cup. Now leading a talented Portuguese side featuring stars such as Cristiano Ronaldo, Bruno Fernandes and Bernardo Silva, Martinez faces the challenge of transforming individual brilliance into tournament success.

As the World Cup unfolds across the United States, Mexico and Canada, these highly paid coaches will be under intense scrutiny, with their salaries reflecting the enormous expectations placed upon them to deliver football’s ultimate prize.