Despite Gennaro Gattuso and the Italian national team’s absence from the 2026 World Cup, an Italian influence will still be strongly felt. Three former Azzurri players have successfully qualified as head coaches for other national teams, ensuring an Italian presence on the global stage.
Italy faced a disappointing exit from the World Cup play-offs for the third consecutive cycle, falling to Bosnia and Herzegovina on penalties in Zenica after playing with ten men.
Italian Head Coaches at the 2026 World Cup
Remarkably, even with Italy’s own struggles, only three nations — Argentina (6), France (6), and Spain (4) — will boast more head coaches at the upcoming World Cup than Italy’s impressive count of three.
This significant Italian representation is due to Carlo Ancelotti leading Brazil, Fabio Cannavaro managing Uzbekistan, and Vincenzo Montella guiding Turkey. Turkey secured their spot by defeating Kosovo in a play-off final that coincided with Italy’s elimination.
A diverse field of 25 different nations will supply the head coaches for the 48 teams competing in the 2026 World Cup. Leading this list are Argentina (6), France (6), Spain (4), closely followed by Italy (3) and Germany (3). Other nations with multiple coaches include England (2), the Netherlands (2), Australia (2), Bosnia and Herzegovina (2), and Morocco (2).
Several countries, including Croatia, Norway, Czechia, Scotland, Switzerland, Egypt, Senegal, Cape Verde, South Korea, Japan, Iran, and Mexico, will have native coaches at their helm. Unique coaching contributions come from Hugo Broos, the sole Belgian head coach leading South Africa, and Jesse Marsch, the only American coach for Canada.