National football associations are investing heavily in top managerial talent ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, with Brazil coach Carlo Ancelotti emerging as the highest-paid manager at the tournament.
Salary figures released ahead of the competition show that Ancelotti earns an annual wage of £8.28 million, placing him well ahead of every other coach participating in the global showpiece.
The Italian tactician, who enjoyed immense success at Real Madrid before taking charge of Brazil, has been entrusted with leading the five-time world champions in their quest for a record sixth World Cup title.
England manager Thomas Tuchel ranks second on the earnings list with an annual salary of £5.06 million. The former Chelsea and Bayern Munich boss was appointed to help England finally end their long wait for a major international trophy after several near-misses in recent tournaments.
United States coach Mauricio Pochettino occupies third place with a yearly salary of £4.53 million. The Argentine manager, who previously managed Tottenham Hotspur, Paris Saint-Germain and Chelsea, is expected to guide the host nation’s campaign at the expanded tournament.
Germany’s Julian Nagelsmann sits fourth with annual earnings of £4.2 million, while Portugal boss Roberto Martinez and Uzbekistan coach Fabio Cannavaro share fifth place, each earning £3.5 million per year.
Cannavaro’s position among the top earners has attracted attention, particularly as Uzbekistan prepares for its maiden World Cup appearance. The former Italy captain was appointed after steering the Central Asian nation to a historic qualification.
France coach Didier Deschamps, who led Les Bleus to World Cup glory in 2018, earns £3.31 million annually and occupies seventh place on the list.
The remaining spots in the top 10 are filled by Argentina’s World Cup-winning manager Lionel Scaloni, Uruguay’s Marcelo Bielsa and Netherlands coach Ronald Koeman, all of whom earn £2.61 million per year.
According to figures published by Planet Football, the rankings reflect the increasing willingness of football federations to spend heavily on elite coaching expertise as they chase success on the biggest stage in world football.
Top 10 Highest-Paid Coaches at the 2026 FIFA World Cup
Carlo Ancelotti (Brazil) – £8.28m
Thomas Tuchel (England) – £5.06m
Mauricio Pochettino (USA) – £4.53m
Julian Nagelsmann (Germany) – £4.20m
Roberto Martinez (Portugal) – £3.50m
Fabio Cannavaro (Uzbekistan) – £3.50m
Didier Deschamps (France) – £3.31m
Lionel Scaloni (Argentina) – £2.61m
Marcelo Bielsa (Uruguay) – £2.61m
Ronald Koeman (Netherlands) – £2.61m
The figures highlight the growing financial commitment of national football federations, many of which are banking on experienced and proven managers to deliver success at the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
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