By Adegboyega Adeleye The 2026/27 UEFA Nations League begins this week with a number of Europe’s biggest football countries ushering in a new era in the dugout. Several of the continent’s most recognisable coaching names are taking charge of national teams for the first time, while others are returning to familiar international assignments.
With the 16-day international break bringing domestic football to a temporary halt, attention now turns to the Nations League and the new coaches preparing for their first competitive tests. Here is the full list of coaches set for their first games this international break. 1. France — Zinédine Zidane Zinédine Zidane begins his first competitive assignment as France coach after taking over from Didier Deschamps, who left after the 2026 World Cup in July.
The former France captain is returning to management after leaving Real Madrid in 2021. As a player, Zidane helped France win the 1998 World Cup and Euro 2000, while his coaching career at Real Madrid included three consecutive Champions League titles. According to UEFA, Zidane rejected several club offers in recent years while waiting for the opportunity to manage France. His first Nations League game will be away to Türkiye on September 25. 2.
Portugal — Jorge Jesus Portugal begin their Nations League title defence with Jorge Jesus in charge. The 72-year-old has extensive club experience, including three Portuguese league titles with Benfica, the Brazilian league and Copa Libertadores with Flamengo in 2019, and another league title in Saudi Arabia last season. Jesus is now taking charge of a national team for the first time at senior level.
Portugal captain Cristiano Ronaldo was part of his title-winning Al Nassr squad in Saudi Arabia, with Jesus describing the Portugal captain as a “symbol of Portuguese football.” His first game in charge of the Portuguese