The UEFA Nations League returns this week, but for some of Europe’s biggest footballing nations, Matchday 1 represents much more than the start of a new campaign.
France, Germany, Netherlands, Italy, Belgium and Portugal have all changed managers, meaning six huge names will make their debuts in the dugout over the next two days.
Here are the new eras beginning across Europe.
Jürgen Klopp – Germany
First game: Netherlands vs Germany – Thursday 24 September
After successful spells with Borussia Dortmund and Liverpool, Klopp is taking charge of a national team for the first time – and his Germany reign begins with a huge one.
Germany travel to face the Netherlands in Amsterdam, meaning Klopp immediately comes up against another new manager in Xavi Hernández. UEFA notes Germany are unbeaten in the last four meetings between the nations.
WOW.
— Keepitonthedeck (@Keepitonthedeck) September 24, 2026
Anyone who saw Germany’s training session on Tuesday will know just how intense it was.
Jürgen Klopp and Pep Lijnders reunited, and the energy was absolutely relentless.
Once the activation phase finished, both coaches were completely hands on, driving the session and… pic.twitter.com/ALCfc6HvYE
Xavi Hernández – Netherlands
First game: Netherlands vs Germany – Thursday 24 September
Klopp isn’t the only manager making his debut in Amsterdam.
Former Barcelona boss Xavi begins his Netherlands reign in one of European football’s great international rivalries. After winning La Liga during his time managing Barça, he now takes his first job in international management.
??? A new era begins.
— Football Tweet ?? (@Footballtweet) September 21, 2026
Xavi takes charge of his first training session as Netherlands boss. ??? pic.twitter.com/IgpgUhPRdx
Jorge Jesus – Portugal
First game: Portugal vs Wales – Thursday 24 September
Defending Nations League champions Portugal also begin a new era, with experienced Portuguese coach Jorge Jesus taking charge for the first time against Wales.
The 72-year-old has enjoyed huge success at club level, winning titles in Portugal, Brazil and Saudi Arabia. He now gets the opportunity to lead his country, with Cristiano Ronaldo once again among the headline names available to Portugal.
? Portekiz A Milli Tak?m?n?n yeni teknik direktörü Jorge Jesus, antrenmanda Cristiano Ronaldo'ya tak?l?yor.#beINSPORTS pic.twitter.com/AXX9Z4zeVj
— beIN SPORTS Türkiye (@beINSPORTS_TR) September 23, 2026
Roberto Mancini – Italy
First game: Italy vs Belgium – Friday 25 September
This one is a little different – Mancini is back.
The manager who led Italy to EURO 2020 glory has returned for a second spell in charge of the Azzurri. His first game back comes against Belgium, a country Italy beat on their way to that European title.
Roberto Mancini is back as the boss of Italy! ???
— Bet9ja: The home of #betBOOM! ? (@Bet9jaOfficial) July 29, 2026
He returns to the Azzurri dugout having guided them to glory at Euro 2020 ?pic.twitter.com/5oObuLo16o
Mark van Bommel – Belgium
First game: Italy vs Belgium – Friday 25 September
There will be two managerial debuts in the same game in Italy.
Former Bayern Munich, Barcelona and Netherlands midfielder Mark van Bommel takes charge of Belgium after previously managing PSV, Wolfsburg and Royal Antwerp.
It is Van Bommel’s first senior international managerial role, and an away game against Mancini’s Italy represents a serious opening test.
We’re happy to have you, coach! ?
— Belgian Red Devils (@BelRedDevils) August 8, 2026
Watch the full interview with Mark Van Bommel now on our YouTube.https://t.co/lIcb6R91Ds pic.twitter.com/hUwFRa8F7p
Zinédine Zidane – France
First game: Türkiye vs France – Friday 25 September
Perhaps the most anticipated appointment of them all.
Five years after leaving Real Madrid, Zidane is back in management – and this time he is leading the country he helped inspire to World Cup and European Championship glory as a player.
The three-time Champions League-winning manager begins his France reign away against Türkiye, with Kylian Mbappé among the superstars at his disposal.
Le 1er entraînement de Zinédine Zidane et son staff sur le terrain Michel Platini à Clairefontaine ! pic.twitter.com/OrexGEVRVk
— Equipe de France ?? (@equipedefrance) September 22, 2026
Six Giants. Six New Eras.
It makes for a fascinating opening to the new Nations League campaign: Klopp with Germany, Zidane with France, Xavi with the Netherlands, Mancini back with Italy, Van Bommel taking over Belgium and Jorge Jesus leading Portugal.
The Nations League league phase begins this evening, with all six managers making their first appearances across Thursday and Friday.
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