The 2026 FIFA World Cup will not only feature the highest number of African teams in history but also showcase a remarkable presence of African coaches leading their national sides on the global stage.
Seven of the nine African countries that have qualified for the tournament, which will be held across the United States, Canada, and Mexico, are guided by African coaches. The exceptions are South Africa, coached by Belgian Hugo Broos; Algeria, led by Bosnian Vladimir Petković; and DR Congo, who still need a win against the winner of Jamaica and New Caledonia, currently coached by France’s Sébastien Desabre.
With the World Cup set to kick off on June 11 in Mexico City and conclude on July 19 in New Jersey, United States, African nations have shown a growing confidence in entrusting their teams to homegrown talent—particularly former players—to lead them on football’s biggest stage. This edition will mark the highest number of African coaches participating in a World Cup in history.
Africa also made history at the previous tournament, with all five African teams—Senegal, Tunisia, Morocco, Cameroon, and Ghana—being led by African coaches.
BolaNews shines a light on the seven African coaches set to make their mark at the 2026 World Cup.
Otto Addo (Ghana)
Otto Addo began his coaching career with the Ghana national team as a deputy coach under Milovan Rajevac in September 2021 and became interim head coach in February 2022 ahead of the World Cup playoff against Nigeria, leading Ghana to qualification on away goals after a 1–1 draw. He was officially appointed head coach in May 2022, supported by technical staff including Chris Hughton, and during the 2022 FIFA World Cup, he became the first Ghanaian to both play for and coach the Black Stars at a World Cup, also securing Ghana’s first World Cup match win under a Ghanaian coach with a 3–2 victory over South Korea.
After resigning post-tournament to focus on his role as a talent coach at Borussia Dortmund, Addo returned in March 2024 on a 34-month contract and, in October 2025, guided Ghana to qualify for the 2026 World Cup with a 1–0 win over Comoros, becoming the first coach in Ghanaian history to lead the Black Stars to two consecutive World Cups.
Walid Regragui (Morocco)
Walid Regragui, a former Moroccan footballer, was appointed head coach of Morocco in August 2022, just months before the 2022 FIFA World Cup. Despite the short lead-in, he led the Atlas Lions on a historic campaign — Morocco became the first African and Arab team to reach the World Cup semi-finals, eventually finishing in fourth place. For his accomplishments, he was named CAF’s Best Coach of the Year in 2023 and was ranked the third-best men’s national team coach in the world by the IFFHS.
Known for his tactical discipline, his teams are solid defensively but also dangerous on the break. Before taking over the national team, Regragui built his coaching credentials with Moroccan clubs like FUS Rabat, where he won the Throne Cup, and Wydad AC, where he won both the Botola and the CAF Champions League. He is currently on a 17 match unbeaten run with Atlas Lions, winning 16 games and one draw.
Pape Thiaw (Senegal)
Pape Thiaw, a former Senegal international striker, transitioned into coaching and made a name for himself by winning the 2022 African Nations Championship (CHAN) with Senegal. In December 2024, he was officially appointed head coach of the senior national team, succeeding Aliou Cissé.
During his interim spell, he led Senegal to four straight wins without conceding, which helped secure the role permanently. Under his leadership, Thiaw has embraced an attacking, high‑intensity style, emphasizing quick transitions, pressing, and proactive football. His tactical vision and local expertise have made him a rising force in African coaching. He has now secured qualification for the 2026 World Cup.
Emerse Faé- Ivory Coast
Emerse Faé, a former Ivorian international midfielder, was appointed interim coach of the Côte d’Ivoire national team in January 2024 following the dismissal of Jean-Louis Gasset during the Africa Cup of Nations. Despite the pressure, he guided the Elephants to a remarkable comeback—knocking out defending champions Senegal, beating Mali, and defeating DR Congo in the semi‑finals. In the final, he secured a dramatic 2–1 win over Nigeria, clinching Ivory Coast’s third AFCON title.
His success during the tournament earned him a permanent contract as head coach. Under his leadership, the team plays with tactical discipline, strong defensive organization, and fluid transitions, and in 2025 he also became the first Ivorian coach to guide the national team to the FIFA World Cup, qualifying them for the 2026 edition.
Bubista (Cape Verde)
Pedro Leitão Brito, better known as Bubista, is a former Cape Verdean international defender who became head coach of the Cape Verde national team in January 2020. After a long stint as an assistant coach and managing several top local clubs (such as Mindelense, Sporting Praia, and Batuque), he took over the Blue Sharks. Under his leadership, Cape Verde qualified for the 2021 Africa Cup of Nations and again for AFCON 2023, reaching the quarter-finals.
His greatest achievement came this year when he guided Cape Verde to its first-ever FIFA World Cup qualification, a historic feat for the small island nation, earning him the 2025 CAF Coach of the Year award. He is known for building cohesion among the squad, blending local and diaspora talent, and instilling a strong sense of national identity.
Hossam Hassan (Egypt)
Hossam Hassan, a legendary former striker for Egypt, was appointed head coach of the national team in February 2024. Known for his intense playing career and record as Egypt’s top goalscorer, he brought considerable experience from managing several Egyptian clubs like Zamalek, Al-Masry, Ismaily, Pyramids, and others.
His coaching style emphasizes tight defensive structure, pressing from the front, and exploiting wide areas. With the Pharaohs, he aims to restore former glories—particularly in continental competitions, including the Africa Cup of Nations.
Sami Trabelsi (Tunisia)
Sami Trabelsi is a Tunisian coach and former central defender who first managed the national team between 2011 and 2013, leading them to win the 2011 African Nations Championship (CHAN). After more than a decade coaching abroad (notably in Qatar with Al-Sailiya), he returned as Tunisia’s head coach in February 2025.
His mission now is to guide a talented squad through the 2026 World Cup qualifiers and the upcoming AFCON campaign. He brings a blend of experience, tactical discipline, and a deep understanding of Tunisian football culture.
READ ALSO: DR Congo to face Winner of Jamaica vs New Caledonia for 2026 World Cup Spot
