Will Antoine Griezmann make it to the 2026 World Cup with France? We analyze statistics, current events, and his role with Les Bleus on their way to the most important tournament on the planet.
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WILL THERE BE COACH LAYOFFS DURING THE 2026 WORLD CUP?
During each World Cup, national team coaches experience an emotional rollercoaster, where the margin for error is minimal and the media pressure is immense. The 2026 World Cup will be no exception: with 48 teams, more matches, and greater exposure, the spotlight will be on the coaches more than ever. How likely are there to be dismissals during the tournament? What does history tell us? In this article, we explore interesting statistics, past examples, and what we can expect from the sidelines at this global football event.
Maximum Pressure for Coaches
The 2026 World Cup will be historic for several reasons: it will be held in three countries (United States, Canada, and Mexico), will include 48 teams for the first time, and will feature a total of 104 matches. With this new format, the pressure on coaches increases exponentially. Not only will they have to prepare their teams for a longer schedule, but they will also have to maintain tactical and emotional cohesion in squads increasingly pressured by the expectations of their countries.
History of Mid-Tournament Dismissals
Although not common, there have been cases where coaches were dismissed during the World Cup itself. One of the most memorable cases was that of Jorge Luis Pinto, who was removed from his position as Costa Rica's coach after the 2014 World Cup in Brazil, despite leading the team to the quarterfinals. Although his departure came after the tournament, the conflict had been brewing throughout the event. Another emblematic case was that of Julen Lopetegui, who didn't even make it to Spain's first match at the 2018 World Cup in Russia, after signing with Real Madrid behind the federation's back.
Lopetegui (Spain, 2018) – fired 2 days before the debut.
Carlos Queiroz (Iran, 2022) – resigned after elimination, but under pressure from the federation.
Marc Wilmots (Belgium, 2016) – out due to poor performance, after the European Championship.
José Pekerman (Colombia, 2018) – his contract was not renewed due to internal differences.
The coaches know that a bad performance, or even a simple, poorly handled rumor, can seal their fate before the final whistle.
Reasons behind the changes
The World Cup is unforgiving. Federations that invest millions of dollars expect immediate results. If the team doesn't get off to a good start or if there are internal tensions, the directors often choose to make drastic changes. This doesn't always translate into immediate dismissals, but it does lead to drastic decisions that can be announced mid-tournament, especially when there are no longer any options to qualify.
Factors that push for dismissals
Disappointing results: A defeat against a weak opponent can be enough to seal the manager's fate.
Internal conflicts: Fights with players or members of the coaching staff often escalate to the press.
Media pressure: The media can construct a narrative that pushes federations to make radical decisions.
Interests Politicians: In many federations, interests extend beyond the sport. Internal politics can become a minefield. External offers: Sometimes, rival clubs or national teams tempt coaches during the tournament. In the 2026 World Cup, with the new format of groups of 3 teams and more debuting teams, we could see situations where a coach is eliminated after only two matches. The pressure will be brutal, especially in federations where football is almost a religion, like Brazil, Argentina, Mexico, or Germany. The Psychology of the Bench: Studies conducted by the University of Leipzig reveal that national team coaches experience cortisol levels—the stress hormone—up to 75% higher during high-pressure tournaments like the World Cup. This affects their ability to make decisions and remain calm in key moments, which can lead to erratic decisions and, eventually, their dismissal.
What can we expect in 2026
The context of the 2026 World Cup suggests we'll see some interesting moves from the sidelines. The longest and largest tournament in history tests the physical, tactical, and emotional preparedness of the coaching staff. While a mid-tournament dismissal would still be bombshell news, the likelihood of early resignations, post-group decisions, or even public clashes has increased.
Teams to Watch
Mexico: After the failure at Qatar 2022, expectations are sky-high, and the pressure will be on at home.
Brazil: Always a contender, but with tactical doubts and an impatient fanbase.
USA: Hosts and with a promising generation, but with no margin for error at home.
England: Loaded with young talent, but with media that doesn't forgive even a draw.
France: A world power that has proven to be as explosive as it is unstable.
A FIFA survey of technical directors reveals that 42% consider it "very likely" that there will be at least one coaching change during the 2026 tournament, whether due to internal pressure or results.
And what if something historic happens?
With so many new variables, we cannot rule out that the 2026 World Cup will be the first with multiple dismissals in the group stage. It could also be the stage for an interim manager to emerge as an unexpected hero, similar to what happened with Roberto Di Matteo in the 2012 Champions League with Chelsea. Football is a sport of madness, passion, and plot twists that not even the best Netflix screenwriter could predict. And if history has taught us anything, it's that when the ball doesn't go in, the manager is the first to pay the price.
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