Ghana has been listed among the least cost effective coaching appointments at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, according to a new analysis that highlights the huge gap between what national teams pay their managers and the results they achieve on the pitch.
The study by Gambling.com examined the salaries of coaches leading teams at this summer’s World Cup and found that spending more on a manager does not necessarily translate into better performances or higher rankings.
Brazil’s Carlo Ancelotti is the highest paid coach in international football, earning €10 million a year. His salary is almost five times that of Argentina’s Lionel Scaloni, who leads the world’s top ranked national team and the reigning world champions.
The analysis found that Ancelotti earns more in a month than some international managers make in an entire year. His annual salary is 19 times higher than that of Scotland manager Steve Clarke, who reportedly earns €530,000.
Despite guiding the world’s number one ranked team, Scaloni earns €2.3 million a year, less than Paraguay coach Gustavo Alfaro, whose side is ranked 40th in the world.
Researchers said the figures show that high spending does not guarantee success. Argentina, currently the highest ranked team in world football, pays significantly less than Brazil, which sits below them in the rankings.
Among the coaches considered to offer the best value for money are Belgium’s Rudi Garcia, who earns €700,000 while leading the world’s ninth ranked side, Japan’s Hajime Moriyasu on €1 million with the team ranked 18th, and Croatia’s Zlatko Dalić, who earns €1.5 million and has guided his country to consistent World Cup success.
At the other end of the scale, Ghana’s Carlos Queiroz was listed among the least cost effective appointments. The study noted that he earns €1.2 million a year while coaching a team ranked 73rd in the world.
Also included in the list were Uzbekistan’s Fabio Cannavaro, who reportedly earns €4 million while managing the world’s 50th ranked side, and Qatar’s Julen Lopetegui, whose salary is estimated at €2.4 million with the team ranked 57th.
The analysis found that the total confirmed salary bill for 28 World Cup coaches whose earnings could be verified stands at around €83 million a year. Ancelotti alone accounts for about 12 per cent of that figure.
It also highlighted the growing international nature of football management. More than half of the 48 coaches at the tournament are managing countries other than their own. Argentine coaches make up the largest group working abroad, with six leading national teams at the World Cup.
The study was based on publicly available contract reports, football finance data and disclosures from national football associations. Researchers said salary figures for 28 of the 48 coaches could be verified, while the remaining salaries were undisclosed. Bonuses, performance incentives and World Cup related payments were not included in the calculations.
The 2026 FIFA World Cup is being held across the United States, Canada and Mexico from 11th June to 19th July.
Best Bargains In World Football
Who’s delivering the most bang for their federation’s buck?
- Belgium’s Rudi Garcia: €700K for a world No. 9, arguably the best value hire in the tournament
- Japan’s Hajime Moriyasu: €1M for world No. 18
- Croatia’s Zlatko Dalić: €1.5M for world No. 11 and a serial World Cup semi-finalist
The Worst Value Contracts
- Uzbekistan’s Fabio Cannavaro: €4M for the world’s 50th-ranked team, the same salary Roberto Martínez earns coaching 5th-ranked Portugal
- Qatar’s Julen Lopetegui: €2.4M for world No. 57
- Ghana’s Carlos Queiroz: €1.2M for world No. 73
Credit: Gambling.com
