France are expected to name Zinedine Zidane as the country’s next head coach following the conclusion of Didier Deschamps’ tenure. The French Football Federation is anticipated to officially announce the appointment later this month after completing preparations for the transition.
The 54-year-old has already assembled his coaching team and is expected to complete the remaining formalities before beginning his new role. His first task will be leading France into the upcoming UEFA Nations League campaign.
Before the change becomes official, Deschamps will take charge of his final match when Les Bleus meet England in the third-place play-off at the 2026 World Cup.
Deschamps leaves after a successful era
Deschamps departs after a highly successful spell in charge of the national side. During his time as head coach, he guided France to victory at the 2018 World Cup, lifted the UEFA Nations League trophy in 2021, and reached another World Cup final in 2022.
France’s inability to qualify for another World Cup final, however, led the federation to proceed with a succession plan that had long identified Zidane as the preferred candidate.
The former France captain has frequently been linked with the position since ending his second spell as Real Madrid manager in 2021 and is now set to return to coaching after several years away from the sidelines.
Zidane begins a new chapter
Zidane arrives with an outstanding managerial record. Across his two periods at Real Madrid, he collected three successive UEFA Champions League titles, two La Liga championships, two UEFA Super Cups, and two FIFA Club World Cups.
His achievements as a player are equally remarkable. Zidane inspired France to triumph at the 1998 World Cup and Euro 2000, while also winning the Ballon d’Or in 1998 to establish himself among the greatest footballers of his era.
Focus will now shift to how he manages a squad featuring Kylian Mbappe, Aurelien Tchouameni, Eduardo Camavinga, Ousmane Dembele, William Saliba, and Michael Olise. Many expect Zidane to implement a more possession-oriented approach after France received criticism for a lack of attacking creativity during the World Cup.
