The 2026/27 UEFA Nations League is set to provide more than just high-profile international fixtures, with eight League A teams entering the competition under new managers.
Among the biggest names taking charge are former Liverpool boss Jürgen Klopp with Germany, Barcelona great Xavi Hernández with the Netherlands, France legend Zinédine Zidane and Roberto Mancini, who has returned for a second spell as Italy coach. The opening round begins on September 24.
Jürgen Klopp — Germany
Klopp is entering international management for the first time after a highly successful club career, most notably his nine-year spell at Liverpool.
The German guided Liverpool to the UEFA Champions League title in 2019 and the Premier League crown the following season. His first competitive assignment with Germany will come against the Netherlands in Amsterdam on September 24.
Xavi Hernández — Netherlands
Xavi takes over the Netherlands following their early exit from the 2026 World Cup and will begin his tenure against Klopp’s Germany.
The former Barcelona midfielder has said he wants his new team to play with greater intensity and take the initiative during matches. Virgil van Dijk will continue as captain under the Spaniard.
Zinédine Zidane — France
Zidane is back in management after more than five years away from the dugout, having left Real Madrid in 2021.
The former France international succeeds Didier Deschamps and will begin his competitive tenure against Türkiye on September 25. His first squad includes several new faces, although captain Kylian Mbappé remains central to the team.
Roberto Mancini — Italy
Mancini has returned to the Italy job for a second spell after previously leading the Azzurri to European Championship glory in 2021.
His return comes after Italy failed to qualify for the 2026 World Cup. Mancini has already begun rebuilding the squad, naming nine uncapped players in his latest selection. Italy face Belgium in their opening Nations League fixture on September 25.
Jorge Jesus — Portugal
Portugal will begin their Nations League title defence with Jorge Jesus in charge.
The experienced coach takes over the reigning champions as they prepare to face Wales on September 24. Portugal are looking to retain the trophy after winning the previous edition.
Mark van Bommel — Belgium
Former Netherlands international Mark van Bommel is beginning his first tenure as Belgium’s senior national-team coach.
His first major test comes against Mancini’s Italy in Rome on September 25, before Belgium face France later in the competition. UEFA identifies the Belgium-France meeting as another fixture involving two newly appointed coaches.
Croatia’s New Coach
Croatia are also entering the new Nations League campaign with a fresh face in charge.
The appointment forms part of a wider managerial reset across League A, with several established European teams beginning new cycles after the 2026 World Cup.
Czechia’s New Coach
Czechia complete the group of eight League A teams beginning the campaign with new managers.
Their first Nations League fixtures will offer an early indication of how the new coaching regime intends to shape the side.
With four of the biggest names in European football — Klopp, Xavi, Zidane and Mancini — all taking on new international assignments, the opening matchdays are set to provide an early glimpse of how these managerial changes will translate to the pitch.
The first round of matches runs from September 24 to 26, with major fixtures including Netherlands vs Germany, Türkiye vs France, Italy vs Belgium and England vs Spain.
