Brazil is reportedly considering hiring Italian coach Carlo Ancelotti this summer after Brazil fired their head coach Dorival Junior following a 4-1 defeat to Argentina in World Cup qualifying. Rumors of Ancelotti`s potential move to Brazil began in early 2023, when the Brazilian federation aimed to secure him for the 2024 Copa America. However, Ancelotti extended his contract with Real Madrid.
The idea of appointing a highly decorated manager like Ancelotti is still being discussed. It would be notable, as Brazil has historically preferred Brazilian coaches, with only three non-Brazilians ever managing the national team and all five World Cup wins achieved under Brazilian managers. While there`s a common belief that national teams should ideally be led by domestic coaches, recent examples like Thomas Tuchel for England and Mauricio Pochettino for the USMNT suggest that federations are increasingly looking globally for top talent to elevate their teams.
With many national team positions filled, let`s speculate on ideal European coach pairings for USA, Argentina, Brazil, Mexico, and Uruguay:
Argentina: Pep Guardiola
Lionel Scaloni has achieved remarkable success with Argentina, winning the 2021 and 2024 Copa America titles and the 2022 Qatar World Cup against France. Despite considering leaving in 2023, Scaloni remains in charge and will lead Argentina to the 2026 World Cup.
Pep Guardiola, currently contracted with Manchester City until 2027, has expressed interest in managing a national team in the future, possibly before retiring. While a reunion with Lionel Messi might be unlikely due to Messi`s age, Guardiola would be a top-tier replacement for a successful coach like Scaloni, who ushered in a golden era for Argentina.
Guardiola`s managerial style and his native Spanish language would be advantageous for Argentina, eliminating potential language barriers. Guardiola coaching Argentina at the Monumental stadium in Buenos Aires would be an iconic moment in football.
United States: Jose Mourinho
Jose Mourinho is a relevant candidate for national team discussions. He was close to managing Portugal in January 2023 but chose to stay with AS Roma after winning the 2022 UEFA Conference League. Mourinho has a long-standing connection with the United States, often holding preseason camps at UCLA during his time with Chelsea and Inter. For the USMNT, Mourinho`s task would be similar to his Roma role: elevating the team. While Pochettino currently leads the U.S., a disappointing World Cup performance after the Nations League results could lead to changes.
Mexico: Mikel Arteta
Mexico, co-hosting the 2026 World Cup, needs to take a significant step forward. Current manager Javier Aguirre has had a positive start, winning the Concacaf Nations League. However, Arsenal`s Mikel Arteta would be an ideal European coach for Mexico. Arteta is a young coach with strong football philosophies and a focus on developing young players, which aligns with Mexico`s long-term needs.
Brazil: Jurgen Klopp
While Carlo Ancelotti is Brazil`s primary target, Jurgen Klopp is another excellent European option. Brazil needs an experienced manager capable of handling a team with numerous stars and young talents. Klopp, after leaving Liverpool, became head of global soccer for Red Bull Group, which owns the Brazilian club Red Bull Bragantino. Klopp was considered for the Germany job, with reports suggesting a clause in his Red Bull contract allowing him to leave for the German national team, although Red Bull denied this. If Klopp returns to coaching, a national team role seems more likely than a club position.
