#4 — Mauricio Pochettino (U.S.): ~€5.2 to 6 million
Argentine Mauricio Pochettino, in charge of hosts the United States, earns between €5.2 and €6 million a year — the highest salary in U.S. soccer history for a coach.
It's no accident: the U.S. wants to impress in front of its own fans and made a point of bringing in an elite name, with stints at Tottenham, PSG, and Chelsea. The bet is that his big-club experience will translate into a serious campaign at home.
Three to go. And #1 is a historic bet.
#3 — Thomas Tuchel (England): ~€5.8 million
German Thomas Tuchel, coach of England, earns about €5.8 million a year — the second-highest salary in the tournament. England didn't skimp in finding Gareth Southgate's successor.
And it makes sense: Tuchel is one of the most respected coaches in the world, with two Champions League finals (one won) and stints at PSG, Chelsea, and Bayern. To pull him from clubs and bring him to a national team took a monstrous offer. The expectation is simple: go far at the World Cup.
#2 — Julian Nagelsmann (Germany): ~€7 million
German Julian Nagelsmann, in charge of Germany itself, earns about €7 million a year — the second-highest in the tournament on some lists. Still in his early thirties, he's already one of the most highly valued coaches of his generation.
Known for fluid, innovative tactical systems, he was Germany's bet to rebuild the team's identity after years of inconsistency. He's the future of German soccer receiving a gift of a salary. But he still trails just one name.
And now #1 — the man who coaches Brazil, and a nation's bet.