Several World Cup-bound national teams have made unexpected coaching changes despite strong performances and recent successes.
With less than two months to the 2026 World Cup, several qualified teams have made surprising changes to their coaching staffs. Uzbekistan sacked Timur Kapadze despite leading the team to qualification and winning the Central Asian Nations Cup, replacing him with Fabio Cannavaro.
Kapadze expressed confusion over his dismissal, saying, “To be honest, I do not understand what is happening. I also saw this news on social media.” Cannavaro, who has since taken charge, said, “People here are pleasant, very friendly… we are very satisfied with the working conditions.”
In Morocco, Walid Regragui resigned after losing the AFCON 2026 final, fulfilling his earlier promise. “I have a contract until the 2026 World Cup, but if we do not win the Africa Cup, I will go,” he had said. He has been replaced by Mohamed Ouahbi, who led the U-20 team to World Cup success.
Tunisia also parted ways with Sami Trabelsi after an AFCON round-of-16 exit, despite an unbeaten World Cup qualifying campaign. “The responsibility for the defeat lies with the coach. The players gave everything… we cannot blame them,” Trabelsi said. Sabri Lamouchi has since taken over the team.
Ghana dismissed Otto Addo following heavy friendly defeats, with Carlos Queiroz appointed as his successor. Meanwhile, Saudi Arabia sacked Herve Renard after poor results in friendlies, with Georgios Donis emerging as the leading candidate to replace him.