Zinedine Zidane is set to take over as France's men's team head coach after the FIFA World Cup 2026. Current head coach Didier Deschamps will step down after the tournament, ending a 14-year stint with the national team.
What happened?
French Football Federation president Philippe Diallo has hinted that a successor to Deschamps has already been identified.
Diallo told a French newspaper, Le Figaro, that he knows the name of the new coach.
Why it matters for Zinedine Zidane
Zidane was part of the France squads that won the FIFA World Cup 1998 and UEFA Euro 2000.
He previously managed Real Madrid across two spells, from January 2016 to May 2018, and again from March 2019 to May 2021.
What comes next?
Reports in France suggest negotiations with Zinedine Zidane are progressing.
Zidane is also believed to be seeking an expanded backroom staff, led by David Bettoni.
France is scheduled to play friendlies against Brazil on 27 March, Colombia on 30 March, and the Ivory Coast on 5 June.
The 2026 FIFA World Cup will be held across the United States, Canada, and Mexico, starting on 11 June.
Les Bleus will open their World Cup campaign against Senegal on 16 June in New York.
The tournament will feature 48 teams, up from 32, divided into 12 groups of four.
Diallo has received fewer than five applications from French coaches.
Zidane's potential appointment has been met with excitement from French football fans.
The former midfielder is widely regarded as one of the greatest players of all time.
His experience and success as a player and coach make him an ideal candidate for the job.
France won the World Cup in 2018, and Zidane will be looking to replicate that success.
The team is currently in Group I for the 2026 edition, alongside Senegal and Norway.
A team from Inter-Confederation Playoff Path B will complete the group.
Zidane's appointment is expected to be announced after the World Cup.
For now, he remains the favorite to take over as France's new head coach.
The French Football Federation is expected to make an official announcement soon.
Zidane's future as France's head coach is looking bright.
He has the support of the French football community and the experience to lead the team to success.
The 2026 FIFA World Cup is shaping up to be an exciting tournament.
With Zidane at the helm, France will be looking to make a deep run in the competition.
The team has a talented roster and a strong coaching staff.
Zidane's leadership will be crucial in guiding the team to victory.
The French football community is eagerly awaiting the official announcement.
Zidane's appointment will be a major boost to the team's morale.
He is a highly respected figure in French football.
His experience and success will be invaluable to the team.
The 2026 FIFA World Cup will be a thrilling tournament.
With Zidane as France's head coach, the team will be a force to be reckoned with.
The tournament will feature some of the best teams and players from around the world.
Zidane's coaching skills will be put to the test.
He will be looking to lead France to victory and bring home the World Cup trophy.
The French football community is behind him every step of the way.
Zidane's appointment is a major step forward for French football.
He has the potential to lead the team to great success.
The 2026 FIFA World Cup will be an exciting tournament.
With Zidane at the helm, France will be looking to make a deep run in the competition.