While the players’ jerseys reflect the country’s footballing philosophy, the outfits worn by managers at the 2026 World Cup are their own fashion statements.
Switzerland coach Murat Yakin had a giant P written on his chest, a tribute to Pep Guardiola on the biggest stage. A special tee was created by Puma to honor Guardiola’s ten years at Manchester City and was proudly worn by Yakin during the 2-1 defeat of Canada. He had started in white, but was asked to switch to black as Canada was playing in white and there was a risk of chaos on the touchline. The black version also had Guardiola’s P. Yakin noted that he had made it in several colors.
Touchline Fashion has drawn attention in the competition for its personal touches. USA coach Mauricio Pochettino has come a long way from his fame Sky Sports The slogan, “Suit or tracksuit, I look great. I’m handsome.” Not too far, though. The Argentine paired a navy lightweight overshirt with matching wide-leg trousers and a white T-shirt. Hugo Boss.
USA head coach Mauricio Pochettino in action during the FIFA World Cup 2026. (AP)
Brazil’s Italian boss Carlo Ancelotti brought his Real Madrid suit into the Selecao dugout. The Miami Heat three-piece was very Italian, with the signature waistcoat and large buttons showing off the watchmaking authority, with the rest handled by Vinicius Jr. and Lucas Paqueta.
The suits are largely on brand, with small variations. Didier Deschamps codified his In les Bleus. Mexico’s Javier Aguirre straps on a Mexican green tie. Canada’s Jesse Marsh, whose thin black tie has been photographed whipping around as he sheds his coat, is more frustrated as the side tests his patience.
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With Spain’s Luis de la Fuente, the focus is on the tie, a denim-print necktie emblazoned with tiny Spanish flags. He also wears a blue ribbon on his wrist and his sneakers have the colors of the Spanish flag.
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Herve Renard, the Frenchman who beats every manager in the fashion stakes, and his lucky white shirts. He brought little luck to a broken Tunisian side, who sacked their previous coach after the opening match before turning to Renard, but the man who won two Africa Cup of Nations with Zambia and Ivory Coast and helped Saudi Arabia beat Messi’s Argentina in 2022 is only at the World Cup. He wears a crisp, creaseless, sweat-free white shirt over black pants with his rugged tan. Comparisons to James Bond are inevitable, although the 57-year-old sounds more reflective. Reynard completes the look with white sneakers, a trend shared by Thomas Tuchel and Graham Arnold.
Tuchel, in fact, spearheads the all-black monochrome trend, with managers empowering their players and fading into the background for everyone else. He is joined by Iran’s Amir Galenoi, who looks like a formal addition to a black jacket, and Egypt’s Hossam Hassan. Uzbekistan’s Fabio Cannavaro also favors bicep-hugging black tees, though his real fashion statement has always been his tattoos.
Ecuador head coach Sebastian Bequez in action during the FIFA World Cup 2026. (AP)
The standout look of the tournament is that of Japan’s Hajime Moriyasu. The Japanese are always impeccably dressed, so a three-piece is expected. His blue pinstripe shirt, an understated sign of professionalism and creativity, made Moriasu a winner.
Germany’s Julian Nagelsmann, 38, has traded slim suits for baggy black tees and sweatpants, practical perhaps, but a remarkable development. Brogues have given way to sports trainers. All that remains is his white watch strap. However, he had major concerns. “I feel like the lens is photographing my nose hair from a centimeter away,” he said of dugout-side photographers.
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Ecuador’s Sebastián Becáces keeps a composed face despite his strip becoming psychedelic tea meme fodder. When the tournament started brightly, observers noticed Messi’s resemblance to the long blond hair. Now that the results are in, his clothes are heating up.
Roberto Martinez and Lionel Scaloni have largely escaped the odd scrutiny. Either way they go hand in hand stiffly.