The summer of 2026 is shaping up to be one of the most significant periods for managerial change in world football, with expiring contracts, clubs already planning succession, and a men’s World Cup expected to trigger major shake-ups at both club and international level.
Several high-profile Premier League managers are nearing the end of their deals, while a number of elite coaches are currently out of work or set to become available once the World Cup concludes. For clubs weighing up a change in direction, the coming months could present a rare opportunity to secure top-level managerial talent.
As former Manchester City defender Nedum Onuoha told BBC Radio 5 Live, this summer could feel like a “reset” across the football landscape.
“For fans of certain clubs who need managers, you’ll be thinking, ‘I wonder if we can get that person or that person,’” Onuoha said.
“Add the World Cup into it, with contracts ending and international managers becoming available, and it becomes really exciting.”
Below, we break down which managers are set to be free, who could leave after the World Cup, and which major names are currently unemployed.
Premier League Managers Who Could Be Available in Summer 2026
Oliver Glasner (Crystal Palace)
Crystal Palace will be among the clubs forced into change, after Oliver Glasner confirmed he will leave at the end of the season when his contract expires.
BBC Sport sources say Glasner was offered a new deal last summer but informed chairman Steve Parish in October that he would not extend his stay. His availability is likely to attract interest from clubs seeking a tactically astute coach with Premier League experience.
Marco Silva (Fulham)
Marco Silva’s contract at Fulham also expires this summer, placing the Portuguese manager firmly on the radar.
Since taking charge in 2021, Silva has:
- Guided Fulham back to the Premier League
- Stabilised the club in the top flight
- Overseen their best-ever Premier League points tally last season
Silva has long been linked with bigger jobs and could be one of the most sought-after free agents if Fulham fail to secure an extension.
Andoni Iraola (Bournemouth)
Andoni Iraola is another Premier League manager whose future is uncertain.
Unless he signs a new deal, the Bournemouth boss will be free to move at the end of the season. Iraola’s reputation has grown rapidly, with previous links to Liverpool, Manchester United, Chelsea and Tottenham.
Given his pressing style and track record of improving squads, he is unlikely to be short of offers if he opts for a new challenge.
Michael Carrick (Manchester United)
Manchester United are also a club to watch. Michael Carrick’s current deal runs only until June, leaving uncertainty over whether he will continue beyond the summer.
With United’s hierarchy closely monitoring results and long-term direction, Carrick’s status adds another layer of intrigue to an already volatile managerial market.
Managers Who Could Be Free After the World Cup
Major international tournaments often act as natural breaking points for coaching careers, and the 2026 World Cup could prove no different.
Thomas Tuchel (England)
England boss Thomas Tuchel signed an 18-month contract when he took over last January, meaning his deal expires shortly after the World Cup.
While Tuchel has said he is open to extending his stay, his future will almost certainly depend on England’s performance. A strong tournament could prompt renewal talks, while an early exit may see him return to club football.
Mauricio Pochettino (United States)
Former Tottenham and Chelsea manager Mauricio Pochettino is currently leading co-hosts United States, but his contract is scheduled to end once the tournament finishes.
Pochettino’s pedigree — including a Champions League final with Spurs and a Ligue 1 title with Paris Saint-Germain — makes him a strong candidate for elite European roles should he decide to leave international management.
Didier Deschamps (France)
Didier Deschamps will be managing France at his fourth World Cup, having won the tournament in 2018 and reached the final again in 2022.
However, his current deal runs only until the end of this summer’s competition. Regardless of results, there is widespread expectation that his long tenure with Les Bleus may conclude, opening the door to one of the most prestigious national team jobs in world football.
High-Profile Managers Currently Out of Work
Beyond those tied to expiring contracts, several elite managers are already available, making this summer especially competitive.
Gareth Southgate
Former England manager Gareth Southgate stepped down after defeat to Spain in the Euro 2024 final.
Although he was linked with replacing Ruben Amorim at Manchester United last autumn, Southgate has since said a return to management is “not high on my agenda” — though that stance could change with the right opportunity.
Xabi Alonso
Xabi Alonso is on the market after leaving Real Madrid following a short spell of less than eight months.
Despite the brief tenure, his record was impressive:
- 24 wins from 34 matches
- Six defeats
- Four draws
His tactical intelligence and growing reputation mean he remains a highly attractive option for ambitious clubs.
Zinedine Zidane
Few names carry more weight than Zinedine Zidane.
The former Real Madrid boss won:
- Three Champions League titles
- Two La Liga titles
Zidane has been out of work since 2021, but reports in France suggest he could be a leading candidate to succeed Didier Deschamps as national team manager.
Other Notable Free Agents
Several other experienced coaches are also without jobs:
- Enzo Maresca, who left Chelsea earlier this month
- Ange Postecoglou, formerly of Tottenham
- Edin Terzic, ex-Borussia Dortmund manager
- Joachim Löw, former Germany boss, out of management since 2021
Why Summer 2026 Could Be a Managerial Turning Point
With:
- Multiple Premier League contracts expiring
- A World Cup triggering international exits
- Big-name managers currently unemployed
The summer of 2026 could represent one of the most fluid managerial markets in recent memory.
For clubs willing to plan ahead — or forced into change — the coming months may define their direction for years to come.
As Onuoha put it, this summer feels less like routine turnover and more like a full-scale reset across football.
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