#GilaBola | Takeaway from the FIFA World Cup 2026 on managing high-performance teams in the competitive world of football

Opinion
8 Jul 2026 • 12:30 PM MYT
Zulkifly Baharom
Zulkifly Baharom

An HR practitioner, Sejahtera Leadership Coach & Gusi Peace Prize Laureate.

Image from: #GilaBola | Takeaway from the FIFA World Cup 2026 on managing high-performance teams in the competitive world of football
The greatest football team manager of all time. Credit: FIFA World Cup Instagram

I learned from FIFA World Cup news and football analysts that Didier Deschamps of France is widely regarded as the top manager at the FIFA World Cup 2026, having officially set record for the most wins of any head coach in tournament history. Heading into the 2026 tournament, which he confirmed in his final chapter with Les Bleus, Deschamps' legacy as elite international winner remains unmatched & undisputed benchmark. He has already won the trophy as a player (1998) & a manager (2018). His pragmatic ability to manage absolute superstars like Kylian Mbappe keeps France among the global elite. France is constantly playing the most beautiful football. (https://www.instagram.com>fifaworldcup<; https://www.facebook.com>FIFA World Cup<)

Image from: #GilaBola | Takeaway from the FIFA World Cup 2026 on managing high-performance teams in the competitive world of football
France emerged as the top three high-performance teams with perfect, dominant records. Credit: Reddit

As a management educator, I learned the distinctive leadership style of Didier Deschamp, for his strategic acumen, charisma, and a track record of success with top-tier teams, having won 13 of his 17 World Cup games in charge. I understand that his leadership philosophy is characterized by a unique blend of tactical brilliance, motivational prowess, and an ability to foster a winning mentality, and instill team winning culture in diverse football environments. By examining his characteristics, it offers valuable insights for scholars with a compelling case study in challenging high-performance team environments.

In this context, I fully agree with the feedback shared by CEO/MD Adi Satria on my story “Lessons from the World Cup show modern leadership requires managing diverse talents under extreme pressure' published by newswav.com on Friday 3rd July, 2026. I quote ”Managing a football team is indeed a real challenging leadership position! One that carves out the skills experience & engagement with players both on & off the field. One that requires motivation to bring out the best in each player. Companies that have leaders who come up well during the recession or difficult times is testimony to firm leadership."


Image from: #GilaBola | Takeaway from the FIFA World Cup 2026 on managing high-performance teams in the competitive world of football

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Zulkifly Baharom (hajizul50@gmail.com) is a content creator under the Newswav Creator programme, where you get to express yourself, be a citizen journalist, and at the same time monetize your content & reach millions of users on Newswav. Log in to creator.newswav.com and become a Newswav Creator now!

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