Zidane and Klopp headline new era as Nations League returns

The 2026/27 Nations League begins on Thursday with Zinedine Zidane and Jurgen Klopp among a host of high-profile coaches taking charge of national teams for the first time, as preparations for the 2030 World Cup begin.

The changeover following the 2026 World Cup in North America has brought an unusually large number of new appointments, with 10 European nations naming new managers since this summer’s tournament.

The most prominent arrivals are France great Zidane, who replaces Didier Deschamps, and former Liverpool manager Klopp, who takes over Germany.

Zidane begins France reign

Deschamps’ decision to leave the France post after 14 years, with the 2026 World Cup marking the end of his tenure, immediately led to calls for Zidane to succeed him.

Those calls were answered in July when the three-time Champions League-winning coach was appointed to replace his former team-mate and captain.

“It’s like a film, but it’s amazing. It’s real,” France captain Kylian Mbappe told Spanish daily AS on Monday.

Zidane’s first matches will come away to Turkey on Friday and Belgium three days later. He will then take charge at the Stade de France for the first time when France host Italy on October 2.

His opening sequence of fixtures concludes with another meeting against Belgium in Paris the following Monday.

“The France job was the only one I wanted,” said the former Real Madrid coach in July.

“I’ve had offers over these four or five years to take charge of a club and I turned them all down for the French national team.

“I’m ready for the challenge, that’s what drives me.”

Klopp takes Germany reins

While Zidane’s appointment represents the return of an iconic figure to the France set-up, Klopp’s arrival has generated similar excitement in Germany.

The former Mainz defender was never capped by Germany and established his reputation as a coach during successful spells with Borussia Dortmund and Liverpool. After stepping away from club management to become Red Bull’s global sports director, he has now taken charge of his country’s national team.

Many in Germany had believed the move would never happen.

“This is ideally the high point of my career, of my life, my professional life. I will give it everything I have,” said the 59-year-old at his unveiling, following Julian Nagelsmann’s departure after Germany’s disastrous World Cup.

Klopp has made an immediate statement of intent by selecting 44 players for his first fixtures, split between two squads.

Germany face the Netherlands in Amsterdam on Thursday before hosting Greece three days later. They then play Serbia in Munich on October 1 and travel to Greece on October 4.

His world champions begin their bid for a second Nations League title with a notable fixture against Thomas Tuchel’s England at Wembley on Saturday.