Coaching Exodus at the World Cup: Departure Rate Hits Record High as Managers Step Down

So far at the USA–Canada–Mexico World Cup, 14 national-team head coaches have confirmed their departure — meaning nearly 30% of the 48 participating teams have changed the person in charge. Tunisia is a special case: the team made a last-minute coaching change during the group stage, and both the pre-tournament appointee Ramzi and the emergency caretaker Hervé Renard have since announced their exits, making Tunisia the only side at this tournament to part ways with both of its head coaches.

1. Zlatko Dalić, Head Coach of the Croatia Men's National Football Team

Croatia men's national-team head coach Dalić announced in Zagreb on July 8 that he had decided to step down as national-team manager.

Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA, June 27, 2026 — Croatia's Group L match against Ghana at the 2026 World Cup. Croatia head coach Zlatko Dalić arrives at the stadium before the match. (Photo: Visual China Group)

Dalić announced his decision after talks that day with Croatian Football Federation president Marijan Kustić. "Managing a national team requires many difficult decisions, but for me this was undoubtedly the hardest one," he said. "I have always believed that leading the national team is the highest honour — there is no more important, responsible, or beautiful job than this." Dalić formally took charge of the Croatia national team in October 2017 and is among the most successful coaches in the country's history, guiding the team to the runner-up finish at the 2018 World Cup and third place at the 2022 World Cup.

Toronto, Canada, July 2, 2026 — Round of 32, Portugal vs. Croatia at the 2026 World Cup. Croatia head coach Dalić and player Luka Modrić acknowledge the fans after the match. (Photo: Visual China Group)

At the USA–Canada–Mexico World Cup, Croatia lost 1–2 to Portugal in the round of 32 and failed to reach the last 16. After the match, the Croatian Football Federation said it would very much like to extend Dalić's contract, but the final decision on his future would respect Dalić's own choice. Recently, several Croatian media outlets have reported on candidates for the national team's next head coach, with Slaven Bilić — who once coached Beijing Guoan — among the leading contenders.

2. Roberto Martínez, Head Coach of the Portugal Men's National Football Team

The Portuguese Football Federation announced that its contractual relationship with national-team head coach Roberto Martínez and his coaching staff officially ended on July 8.

Dallas, Texas, USA, July 6, 2026 — Round of 16, Portugal vs. Spain at the 2026 World Cup. Portugal head coach Roberto Martínez during the match. (Photo: Visual China Group)

The Portuguese federation thanked Roberto Martínez and his staff for all the professionalism and dedication they demonstrated over the past three and a half years. That period was marked by winning the 2025 UEFA Nations League title, and also bore witness to their commitment to the project, their professionalism and promise, and the way they always showed respect for the country and for Portuguese football.

Dallas, Texas, USA, July 6, 2026 — Round of 16, Portugal vs. Spain at the 2026 World Cup. Portugal head coach Roberto Martínez communicates with players on the touchline. (Photo: Visual China Group)

Roberto Martínez took over as Portugal manager in January 2023 and led the team to the 2025 UEFA Nations League crown. At this World Cup, Portugal lost 0–1 to Spain in the round of 16 and exited at that stage.

3. Javier Aguirre, Head Coach of the Mexico Men's National Football Team

Mexico City, Mexico, July 5, 2026 — Round of 16, Mexico vs. England at the 2026 World Cup. Mexico head coach Javier Aguirre during the match. (Photo: Visual China Group)

On July 8, the Mexican Football Federation announced officially that its president, Mikel Arriola, had that day appointed Rafael Márquez as the new head coach of the Mexico national team, aiming to carry forward the "2030 Sports Plan" — a program unveiled on August 1, 2024, which at the time named Márquez to join Javier Aguirre's coaching staff as assistant coach during preparations for the 2026 World Cup.

Mexico City, Mexico, June 24, 2026 — Group A match, Czech Republic vs. Mexico at the 2026 World Cup. Mexico head coach Javier Aguirre and assistant coach Rafael Márquez confer before the match. (Photo: Visual China Group)

One of the most successful captains in Mexican history, Márquez gave up his head-coaching post at Barcelona Atlètic in the summer of 2024 to return to the national team as Aguirre's assistant. This arrangement was a long-term "support-and-succession" plan laid out by the Mexican federation at the time — letting Márquez accumulate two years of national-team tournament experience alongside Aguirre, so that he could naturally step up as head coach after the 2026 World Cup.

4. Jamal Sellami, Head Coach of the Jordan Men's National Football Team

On July 6 (Beijing time), Jordan Football Association president Hussein updated his social media, announcing that Jordan's head coach Sellami would be leaving his post.

Arlington, Texas, USA, June 27, 2026 — FIFA World Cup Group J match, Argentina vs. Jordan. Jordan head coach Jamal Sellami acknowledges the crowd after the match. (Photo: Visual China Group)

The full text of the Jordan FA president's social media post reads: "Today I met with my dear brother and head coach Jamal Sellami. As you bring your journey with the Jordan national team to a close, we thank you for your efforts and outstanding dedication, and for helping our national team achieve a historic breakthrough by qualifying for the World Cup for the first time. Your tenure with the Jordan national team has been extraordinary; through the loyalty, professionalism and leadership you displayed, you will forever be a cherished member of the Jordanian family. I sincerely wish you every success in your next coaching chapter. At the same time, we hope you will continue to offer us your valuable counsel, as your experience remains a treasured asset from which we have benefited and always will."

Dallas, Texas, USA, June 27, 2026 — World Cup Group J match, Jordan vs. Argentina. Jordan head coach Jamal Sellami directs play from the touchline. (Photo: Visual China Group)

At the 2026 USA–Canada–Mexico World Cup, Jordan finished bottom of their group and were eliminated after losing all three group-stage matches.

5. Julian Nagelsmann, Head Coach of the Germany Men's National Football Team

The German Football Association announced on July 3 that national-team head coach Julian Nagelsmann would step down with immediate effect. The DFB will open talks with Jürgen Klopp regarding the successor.