African team coaches are revolving doors after the 2026 World Cup: 7 out of 10 coaches have already left!

Stability is a rare luxury on the benches of African national teams. Just over two weeks after the end of the 2026 World Cup, a major overhaul has already taken place: of the ten coaches who led African representatives to the World Cup, only three remain in their positions. Between dismissals, negotiated departures, and voluntary resignations, their paths have diverged rapidly. Here's an overview.

Three coaches did not survive their elimination from the World Cup, although their departures took place in very different contexts.

Thiaw, Petkovic, Faé… These coaches are being pushed out the door

In Senegal, Pape Thiaw finds himself in a particularly unclear situation. His dismissal has already been announced by the Senegalese Football Federation (FSF) following a very disappointing North American campaign, but the matter has been bogged down for several weeks due to discussions surrounding the terms of his departure, as the state is unwilling to bear the cost of the dismissal. A formal solution is slow to materialize despite the Senegalese Federation's desire, having already reached an agreement with Patrick Vieira, to move on.

In Algeria, Vladimir Petkovic experienced a similarly unusual situation. Despite having his contract extended until 2028 before the World Cup, the Bosnian-Swiss coach saw his position gradually weaken due to the Fennecs' disappointing performances at the tournament.

Several decisions made by the Algerian Football Federation (FAF) after the competition were interpreted as a way to push him out (changes to the coaching staff, the requirement to spend three weeks a month in Algeria) until his departure was officially announced Monday evening after lengthy negotiations. A bittersweet end for the man who had revived the Fennecs after several years of instability.

In Ivory Coast, the case of Emerse Faé is different. Hero of the 2024 continental triumph after taking over the Elephants mid-AFCON, the former international ultimately did not have his contract renewed despite a historic run to the Round of 32 at the 2026 World Cup. A month before his presidential election, the Ivorian Football Federation announced on Friday the end of its collaboration with the coach, who had faced increasing criticism in recent months and who was replaced by Hervé Renard.

Bubista, Renard… Voluntary departures

Four coaches have left their posts of their own accord, each for different reasons.

The most notable departure is undoubtedly that of Bubista, who decided to embark on new adventures after captivating the world during Cape Verde's historic run to the Round of 32 at the World Cup. Despite the challenge of qualifying for the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations, the coach ultimately succumbed to the allure of Moroccan side RS Berkane, recent winners of the CAF Confederation Cup, who signed him to a two-year contract.

In Tunisia, Hervé Renard also chose to move on after a brief – and difficult – stint at the World Cup. The Frenchman, who replaced Sabri Lamouchi after the Carthage Eagles' first match in North America, didn't wait for a decision from his federation and is already preparing to take on a new challenge by taking charge of Ivory Coast, proof that his reputation remains high on the continent.

Also brought in on a short-term mission, Carlos Queiroz has decided to end his time with Ghana just days after participating in his fifth consecutive World Cup. The Portuguese coach announced his departure with immediate effect, believing his cycle had come to an end despite a relatively successful run to the Round of 32.

Finally, Hugo Broos left South Africa with a very positive image after five years in charge. Despite the federation's attempts to convince him to continue after a historic run to the Round of 32 at the World Cup, the Belgian, who became the oldest coach to win a World Cup match at 74 years and 75 days, preferred to respect his decision to retire. Finding it difficult to be away from his family, the winner of the 2017 Africa Cup of Nations with Cameroon and architect of the Bafana Bafana's resurgence thus brought a long coaching career to a close.

Ouahbi, Desabre and Hassan… The exceptions that prove the rule

Conversely, only three coaches are still in their positions.

In Morocco, Mohamed Ouahbi is naturally continuing his mission. Having arrived a few months before the World Cup to succeed Walid Regragui, he retains the confidence of the Moroccan federation, which is counting on continuity after the run to the quarter-finals of the World Cup.

In Egypt, Hossam Hassan emerged from the World Cup campaign even stronger. After a historic run to the round of 16 and a thrilling match against Argentina, the Pharaohs' management felt that the team's progress justified continuing with their coach. The Egyptian Football Association renewed its confidence in him and extended his contract, convinced that the project is on the right track.

Finally, Sébastien Desabre remains firmly entrenched on the DR Congo bench. The Frenchman continues to benefit from the credit he has accumulated since his arrival thanks to the Leopards' constant progress, which he has restored to its place among the most competitive teams on the continent, leading them to a historic Round of 32 appearance in the World Cup.

How can we explain these numerous departures of coaches from African benches?

Such an exodus inevitably raises questions coming out of a World Cup considered to be rather successful for Africa with 9 out of 10 qualified teams present in the round of 16.

It remains difficult, therefore, to draw any major conclusions from these numerous departures. The reasons are so varied: some coaches wanted to capitalize on their high standing, others had simply reached the end of a cycle or a short interim period without any intention of committing long-term.

Like Ivory Coast, which didn't hesitate to sack the coach who led them to their best-ever World Cup run, but is undoubtedly aware that they can go even further with their golden generation, it's clear that federations' expectations have increased. Beyond raw results, the style of play and the ability to fully exploit the team's potential are also being considered.