The market for elite coaches and players is no longer as tightly linked to World Cup performance as it once was - but this summer’s event could prove an exception. And Real Madrid sits right at the center of it.

After the 2026 tournament, three of the biggest names in coaching are due to reach the end of their contracts - and Madrid is acutely aware of that reality. The catch, of course, is timing: no sporting plan involving any of them could truly begin until their World Cup commitments are over.

Two are World Cup winners - Didier Deschamps and Lionel Scaloni - while the third, Mauricio Pochettino, has long been a fixture on every major coaching short list.

Deschamps

At 57, Deschamps’ calling card is rare and valuable: he is one of the few available coaches genuinely accustomed to managing a locker room stacked with global superstars. His contract with the French Soccer Federation expires after the World Cup, and he knows a significant portion of Madrid’s current core extremely well: Kylian Mbappé, Aurélien Tchouaméni, Eduardo Camavinga and Ferland Mendy are all French internationals.

Winning the 2018 World Cup speaks for itself, although his familiarity with Spanish soccer is limited, having spent only one season in LaLiga as a player, with Valencia during the 2000-01 campaign.

Scaloni

Younger and more modern in profile at 47, Scaloni balances that lack of longevity with the ultimate credential: he is the reigning world champion. His contract with the Argentine FA runs through December 31 of this year. Although attempts were made to extend it ahead of the World Cup, no agreement has yet been signed.

Scaloni has no experience managing at club level, but he does bring deep familiarity with Spanish soccer, where he spent the bulk of his playing career with Deportivo La Coruña, Racing Santander and Real Mallorca.

Pochettino

Pochettino’s contract with the U.S. men’s national team expires at the conclusion of the World Cup. He remains well regarded within Real Madrid circles, and at 54, his résumé includes coaching stints across three top leagues: Espanyol in Spain; Tottenham and Chelsea in England; and Paris Saint-Germain in France.

A month ago, Pochettino was in Madrid to attend Atlético’s Champions League clash with Spurs, and was asked directly about the possibility of taking over at the Bernabéu. His response was characteristically measured: “Everything in its own time…”

The non-World Cup options: Allegri and Mourinho

Madrid’s focus will not be limited exclusively to what unfolds across the Atlantic at the World Cup. AC Milan’s Massimiliano Allegri also remains highly rated, though his situation would require negotiation. Like Pochettino, he has appeared on Madrid shortlists before.

Allegri has restored his reputation at Milan following his dismissal from Juventus, but any move would be complicated by the fact that his contract with the Rossoneri runs through 2027.

The same applies to José Mourinho. As reported by AS, the Portuguese coach is weighing his future and has three possible paths. One would involve leaving Benfica should a formal offer from Madrid arrive - something that has not happened yet. He could activate a €3 million release clause, a scenario that does not sit well with the Lisbon club. As this newspaper has previously revealed, Benfica are already moving to place a contract extension offer on the table.

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