These are the highest paid soccer coaches at the 2026 World Cup
Some of those making the tactical and selection decisions at FIFA’s summer extravaganza are better paid than the players.
The players are not the only ones making huge money at the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Some of the coaches on the sidelines are pulling in salaries that rival top club managers too.
Who is the highest paid international soccer coach?
Leading the way is Carlo Ancelotti, who reportedly earns around $11.3 million per year as Brazil’s head coach. The legendary Italian was brought in with one mission: deliver Brazil’s long-awaited sixth World Cup title.
Germany boss Julian Nagelsmann sits second on the list at roughly $7.9 million annually, while Mauricio Pochettino earns about $6.8 million to lead the United States into a home World Cup in front of massive expectations.
England is paying heavily for experience too. Thomas Tuchel – who left out some big names from his roster – reportedly makes around $6.5 million per year as he tries to end the country’s ’66 years of hurt’.
One interesting trend across the tournament is how many nations are trusting foreign coaches. I make it 31 of the 48 teams involved. Portugal’s Roberto Martínez and, get your map ready, Uzbekistan’s Fabio Cannavaro are further examples of this, both earning around $4.5 million annually despite coaching away from home.
Meanwhile, reigning world champion Argentina is paying Lionel Scaloni far less than many rivals. Scaloni reportedly earns about $2.6 million per year, ranking only 14th among World Cup coaches despite delivering the biggest trophy in international soccer.
Canada’s Jesse Marsch, Mexico’s Javier Aguirre, and Paraguay boss Gustavo Alfaro round out the top 10 at around $2.8 million each per year.
Top 5 best paid coaches at World Cup 2026
- Carlo Ancelotti (Brazil) – about $11.3 million per year
- Julian Nagelsmann (Germany) – about $7.9 million per year
- Mauricio Pochettino (USA) – about $6.8 million per year
- Thomas Tuchel (England) – about $6.5 million per year
- Roberto Martínez (Portugal) and Fabio Cannavaro (Uzbekistan) – tied at about $4.5 million per year
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