Zidane, Klopp, Xavi and more take charge for the first time this international break. See every new coach’s Nations League debut match.

The 2026/27 UEFA Nations League will kick off this week with a number of new managers making their debuts in the competition. In fact, many of the top European teams have appointed new coaches. While a few of these managers were already well known, others come from relatively unknown backgrounds. With domestic football paused due to a 16 day international break, we’ve put together information about each manager making their competitive debut this month – which opponents they’ll meet, and some background on their managerial careers.

First up for zidane: France at Türkiye
On september 25th, zinedine zidane will make his competitive debut as France manager. Following Didier Deschamps’ departure from the post, which occurred after the 2026 World Cup, Zidane was given the job. Zidane had been out of club management since leaving Real Madrid in 2018. During his three year tenure at Real, Zidane led the Spanish club to three consecutive Champions League titles between 2016-18. Since being offered the chance to lead France, Zidane has refused numerous other club opportunities.

Jorge Jesus defends portuguese crown
Jorge Jesus Leads Portugal as the defending champions for the first time in his career. At 72 years old, Jesus is taking charge of a national side for the very first time. Prior to his appointment as portugal manager, Jesus enjoyed success at club level, winning various league titles at both Benfica (his native portugal) and Al Nassr (Saudi Arabia). He also won the Copa Libertadores with Flamengo in Brazil in 2019. Jesus’ first match in charge of Portugal will be against Wales on September 24.

Klopp makes german coaching debut
For the first time in his career, Jürgen Klopp will manage an international side when Germany hosts the Netherlands on September 24. Prior to leaving Liverpool in april 2024 after nine successful seasons, including a Champions League title and premier league title among many other honours, klopp won two successive Bundesliga titles with Borussia Dortmund. In a recent interview with german television station ard, klopp referred to the Germany job as “the ultimate challenge in my life.”

Back to Italy for mancini
Italian national team manager, Roberto Mancini Returns to Italy five years after guiding the italian national team to victory at Euro 2020 during his first term (2018–2023). His return starts off on a difficult note as Italy travel to belgium on September 25 for a replay of their Euro 2020 quarterfinal against belgium.

Xavi steps into dutch management role
Xavi Hernandez will step into his first ever international management position when the Netherlands visit Germany on September 24. As the former captain of Barcelona, Xavi won the La Liga title in his one season as manager of the catalan giants in 2022/23. As a player, Xavi won numerous honors with Spain including Euro 2008 and the 2010 World Cup, before ultimately ending his playing career at Manchester city.

First senior job for van bommel: belgium manager
Mark van Bommel has taken his first senior national team position as manager of belgium. He meets up with Italy on September 25. Van Bommel played for the Netherlands and went to the 2010 World Cup final as a player. Van Bommel has managed psv eindhoven, vfl Wolfsburg and Royal Antwerp prior to taking up the belgium job.

Back to Croatia for bilic
Following a ten year absence, Slaven Bilić is once again at the helm of the Croatian national team. Bilić spent seven years managing Croatia (1995–2002) and will now take charge of them for the next six years. Since managing Croatia originally, bilić has coached various clubs around Europe. Those include; besiktas (turkey), West Ham united (england) and west bromwich albion (england). His return to the Croatian job begins with a match against Czech Republic on September 26.

Denia takes charge of czech republic for first time
Santi denia will take charge of the Czech republic for the first time. Denia has established himself through his work with youth sides in Spain. He has won multiple youth European championships with Spain u17s and u19s as well as Olympic gold at Paris 2024. Denia’s first test as a head coach came in a match against Croatia on September 26. He will then lead his Czech side against Spain at Oviedo.

How long will the 2026/27 nations league competition take?
Matchday one and two run from September 24 to October 6, 2026. Matchdays three and four occur from November 12-17. The quarter finals and relegation/promotion playoffs will take place between march – may 2027. The Nations League Finals are scheduled to take place from June 9-13, 2027.

Frequently asked questions
What is France’s new national team coach?
Zinedine Zidane replaced Didier Deschamps as France manager after the 2026 World Cup. His first match in charge is away to Turkey on September 25.

Who is Germany’s new manager?
Jürgen Klopp becomes Germany’s new manager – his first experience of international management. His first match as manager will be at home against Holland on September 24.

Which managers are competing in their debuts this month? Managers taking charge for the first time are; zinedine zidane (France), Jürgen Klopp (Germany), xavi hernandez (holland), jorge jesus (portugal), Mark van Bommel (belgium); while Roberto Mancini (Italy) and Slaven Bilić (Croatia) are returning to manage their respective countries for a Second time.

When do The Nations League Finals take place in 2027?
The Nations League Finals are scheduled for June 9–13, 2027