The FIFA World Cup 2026 begins this week, and it’s the perfect moment to assess and rank the finest managers set to lead their nations in the tournament, judging them by their achievements and track record across all levels of football.

Evaluating an international coach’s true quality is never straightforward, especially when some have limited or no experience in club football. Nevertheless, we’ve taken on the challenge to identify the standout tacticians heading into this World Cup.

Before taking charge of Croatia, Zlatko Dalic had carved out a reputation as a well-travelled coach, frequently moving between clubs in Croatia, Albania, Saudi Arabia, and the UAE. He assumed the national role in 2017, setting himself the target of qualifying for the 2018 World Cup — and he far exceeded expectations. Dalic guided Croatia all the way to the final, where they were beaten by France. He followed that up with a third-place finish at the next World Cup and a UEFA Nations League final appearance in 2023, where his team lost to Spain.

It’s no surprise that Dalic is now widely regarded as the greatest manager in Croatia’s football history.

When it comes to Argentina, Lionel Scaloni’s transformation of the national team has been remarkable. While some may question his potential success at club level, his impact with La Albiceleste has been nothing short of extraordinary.

Managing a team that includes arguably the greatest player of all time might appear easy, yet many before him struggled to find balance. Prior to Scaloni’s appointment in 2018, Argentina had suffered three consecutive final defeats. Since then, they have triumphed in all but one of the four tournaments they’ve entered. Their Copa America victory in 2021 — their first since 1993 — sparked an unprecedented run that included the 2023 World Cup title and another Copa America in 2024. Scaloni’s side also defeated Italy to clinch the Finalissima, a one-off contest between the European and South American champions.

To fully appreciate Luis de la Fuente’s impact on Spain, one must consider the decade preceding his appointment in 2022. Between their Euro 2012 triumph and Euro 2024, La Roja managed just one semi-final appearance in major tournaments, alongside one quarter-final and three round-of-16 exits — a far cry from their golden era of dominance.

De la Fuente revitalised the team after succeeding Luis Enrique post-World Cup. His Spain side retained their philosophy of ball domination but added a traditional striker and an emphasis on crossing. This tactical balance allowed Nico Williams and Lamine Yamal to flourish, leading Spain to European Championship glory. Under his leadership, Spain have lost only twice in 42 matches. While his club CV may not stand out, his success with youth teams speaks volumes — winning European titles with the U19 and U21 squads and securing an Olympic silver with the U23s in 2020.

Didier Deschamps has achieved immense success with France, even if his pragmatic style divides opinion. His teams are often accused of being overly defensive despite possessing a wealth of attacking talent. Nevertheless, his results are undeniable: a World Cup and UEFA Nations League title, alongside appearances in another World Cup final and a European Championship final. Earlier in his career, Deschamps led Monaco to the Champions League final and won the Ligue 1 title with Marseille.

Among the current crop of World Cup managers, Thomas Tuchel stands out as someone who could easily return to any top club role if he stepped down from his England position. With an impressive coaching résumé at elite European clubs, Tuchel built a formidable defence at Chelsea, which proved central to their UEFA Champions League triumph in 2021. Many Chelsea supporters still believe his dismissal was premature. Football fans will be keen to see where his managerial journey takes him after his stint with the Three Lions.

Finally, no discussion of managerial greats would be complete without mentioning Carlo Ancelotti. While his aptitude for international football is yet to be tested, his achievements at club level — particularly with AC Milan and Real Madrid — place him among the all-time legends. The Italian boasts five Champions League titles, more than any other manager in history. There may be sharper tacticians at the 2026 World Cup, but in terms of managerial stature, none can match ‘Don Carlo.’