National football associations are investing heavily in top managerial talent ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, with Brazil head coach Carlo Ancelotti emerging as the tournament’s highest-paid manager.
The experienced Italian tactician reportedly earns £8.28 million annually, placing him well ahead of his counterparts. Ancelotti, who previously enjoyed remarkable success at Real Madrid, has been entrusted with guiding Brazil in its quest for a record sixth World Cup title.
England manager Thomas Tuchel ranks second, earning £5.06 million per year. The former Chelsea and Bayern Munich coach was appointed to help England finally end its long wait for a major international trophy.
United States coach Mauricio Pochettino occupies third place with an annual salary of £4.53 million as he prepares the host nation for the global tournament.
Germany’s Julian Nagelsmann is fourth on the list with yearly earnings of £4.2 million. Portugal boss Roberto Martinez and Uzbekistan coach Fabio Cannavaro are tied in fifth place, each receiving £3.5 million annually.
Cannavaro’s inclusion among the highest-paid coaches has generated interest, particularly as Uzbekistan prepares for its maiden World Cup appearance under the leadership of the former Italy captain.
France manager Didier Deschamps, who led Les Bleus to World Cup glory in 2018, sits seventh with a salary of £3.31 million per year.
Completing the top ten are Argentina’s World Cup-winning coach Lionel Scaloni, Uruguay’s Marcelo Bielsa, and Netherlands manager Ronald Koeman, all earning £2.61 million annually.
According to figures released by Planet Football, the highest-paid coaches at the 2026 FIFA World Cup are:
- Carlo Ancelotti (Brazil) – £8.28 million
- Thomas Tuchel (England) – £5.06 million
- Mauricio Pochettino (United States) – £4.53 million
- Julian Nagelsmann (Germany) – £4.20 million
- Roberto Martinez (Portugal) – £3.50 million
- Fabio Cannavaro (Uzbekistan) – £3.50 million
- Didier Deschamps (France) – £3.31 million
- Lionel Scaloni (Argentina) – £2.61 million
- Marcelo Bielsa (Uruguay) – £2.61 million
- Ronald Koeman (Netherlands) – £2.61 million