As the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers continue across the continent, the salaries of Africa’s top football coaches have been revealed, and they’re as impressive as the competition itself.
Leading the list is Vladimir Petkovic, the head coach of Algeria’s national team, who reportedly earns €1.6 million annually. The 62-year-old Bosnian and Herzegovinian tactician has already guided Algeria to the World Cup after a convincing 3-0 victory over Somalia, confirming their qualification.
According to Sporty TV, Petkovic’s salary puts him ahead of several other prominent African coaches, including Aliou Cisse and Hugo Broos.
Cisse, who now manages Libya, and Broos, in charge of South Africa, both earn around €912,000 each. Despite their countries being in different stages of qualification, both coaches have played vital roles in strengthening their squads and improving team performance.
Following closely behind is Emerse Fae, the Ivory Coast head coach, who earns €900,000. Fae has been instrumental in Ivory Coast’s strong qualification campaign and remains one of the most promising young coaches in African football.
Rounding up the list is Walid Regragui of Morocco, who takes home €840,000. Regragui continues to build on Morocco’s impressive run at the 2022 FIFA World Cup, where they made history as the first African nation to reach the semi-finals.
Here’s the full list of the top five highest-paid African national team coaches:
- Vladimir Petkovic (Algeria) – €1.6 million
- Aliou Cisse (Libya) – €912,000
- Hugo Broos (South Africa) – €912,000
- Emerse Fae (Ivory Coast) – €900,000
- Walid Regragui (Morocco) – €840,000
As African teams push for World Cup qualification, the quality of leadership on the touchline remains just as crucial as the talent on the pitch. These top coaches are proving that success in African football now comes with well-deserved financial rewards.
