Thomas Tuchel leads England into the World Cup semi-final against Argentina today, July 15, 2026, in Atlanta. The Three Lions face the reigning champions, captained by Lionel Messi, in a match that revives memories of the 1986 quarter-final, when Diego Maradona's 'Hand of God' and a stunning solo goal eliminated England.
Tuchel's World Cup journey
Tuchel, 52, took charge of the national team in January 2025 with the goal of winning England's first World Cup since 1966. He has guided the team past Croatia, Panama, DR Congo, Mexico, and Norway, including a 2-1 victory over Norway that showcased his tactical skills and leadership.
Personal life: divorce and new relationship
Tuchel's divorce from his ex-wife Sissi, after 13 years of marriage, became public during his tenure at Chelsea. The couple married in 2009 and separated in 2022, just months after Sissi moved to Surrey with their daughters, Emma and Kim, to be closer to Tuchel. According to a source cited by the Mail on Sunday, 'Sissi and Thomas have tried to avoid splitting, but in the end, there was no other way. It is very sad, and now it is all about making sure their daughters are the top priority.' Papers for divorce were filed in 2022.
Weeks after the divorce became public, Tuchel reportedly began a relationship with Natalie Max, a Brazilian mother-of-two who is 13 years his junior. The couple were photographed in Sardinia in summer 2022, staying at a villa costing £20,000 per night. Max, a director at consulting firm Natexo, has kept a low profile but has been seen cheering Tuchel from the stands.
Salary and ranking among World Cup coaches
Tuchel earns an annual salary of £4.9 million, making him the fourth-highest-paid coach at the 2026 World Cup. The highest earner is Brazil's Carlo Ancelotti at £8.5 million per year, though Brazil was eliminated in the round of 16 by Norway. Former Germany coach Julian Nagelsmann was second on £5.9 million, and USA's Mauricio Pochettino third on £5.1 million.
