Brazil manager Carlo Ancelotti heads the list of the highest-paid coaches at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, earning £8.28 million annually (about N15.3bn) as national football federations invest heavily in their pursuit of global success.
Salary figures compiled ahead of the tournament show that Ancelotti is comfortably the highest-paid manager among those preparing for football’s biggest event.
The former Real Madrid manager recently took charge of Brazil and is expected to lead the five-time world champions in their quest for a record-extending sixth World Cup title.
England manager Thomas Tuchel is second on the list with an annual salary of £5.06 million (about N9.3bn).
The German tactician was appointed following England’s near misses under Gareth Southgate and has been tasked with ending the country’s long wait for major international success.
United States coach Mauricio Pochettino ranks third with earnings of £4.53 million (about N8.4bn) per year as the host nation prepares for the biggest tournament in its football history.
Germany’s Julian Nagelsmann occupies fourth place on £4.20 million (about N7.8bn), while Portugal coach Roberto Martinez and Uzbekistan manager Fabio Cannavaro are tied in fifth position with annual salaries of £3.50 million each (about N6.5bn).
Cannavaro’s place among the highest earners has attracted attention following Uzbekistan’s qualification for its first-ever FIFA World Cup.
France manager Didier Deschamps, who guided his country to World Cup glory in 2018, earns £3.31 million annually (about N6.1bn).
Argentina’s World Cup-winning coach Lionel Scaloni, Uruguay manager Marcelo Bielsa and Netherlands boss Ronald Koeman complete the top 10, with each earning £2.61 million per year (about N4.8bn).
The rankings underline the growing financial commitment football federations are making as they seek elite managerial talent capable of delivering success on the world’s biggest football stage.
Top 10 highest-paid coaches at the 2026 FIFA World Cup
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