Zinedine Zidane set to be named France head coach in four-year deal

Zinedine Zidane is poised to take charge of the France national team in the coming days, with the French Football Federation (FFF) preparing to confirm the World Cup‐winning icon as Didier Deschamps’ successor on a four‐year contract, according to reports in France.

The sports daily L’Equipe says the FFF has pencilled in next Tuesday as the target date to unveil the start of the “Zidane era”, bringing months of talks and planning between the two sides to a close. The 1998 World Cup winner is expected to lead Les Bleus through to the next major tournament cycle.

Final talks and new backroom staff

L’Equipe reports that FFF president Philippe Diallo has held a series of meetings with Zidane in recent weeks, aimed at finalising the sporting project and agreeing the structure of a revamped coaching staff.

August has been earmarked as the month in which the new technical team will be completed. The backroom setup is forecast to undergo sweeping changes compared with Deschamps’ long‐serving staff, with some new members due to begin their duties at the start of September.

Inside the federation’s headquarters, preparations are said to be in full swing to choreograph the official announcement, with detailed planning under way for how the new regime will be presented to media and fans.

An introductory press conference for Zidane is expected to follow the official confirmation, though it may be scheduled for a later date rather than on the day of the announcement itself.

Deschamps era ends after 14 years

The appointment of Zidane will formally close the chapter on Didier Deschamps’ remarkable 14‐year tenure as France head coach.

According to the same report, the FFF had hoped to stage a special ceremony to honour Deschamps’ achievements with the national team, which included winning the 2018 World Cup and reaching the final in 2022. However, the veteran coach is said not to have been keen on any public tribute marking his departure.

Deschamps’ time in charge ended with France finishing fourth at the 2026 World Cup, staged across the United States, Canada and Mexico.

Zidane’s first matches in charge

Zidane’s debut in international management is due to come in the next international window, when France face a demanding run of fixtures in the UEFA Nations League.

Les Bleus are scheduled to play four matches: against Turkey on 25 September, Belgium on 28 September, Italy on 2 October and a second meeting with Belgium on 5 October. Those games will provide an immediate test of Zidane’s tactical ideas and his ability to transition from club to national team coaching.

From Real Madrid triumphs to Les Bleus

This will be Zidane’s first role in charge of a national side, following a glittering spell at Real Madrid in which he collected a haul of major trophies.

During two terms at the Spanish giants, Zidane delivered multiple titles, most notably three consecutive UEFA Champions League crowns – an unprecedented achievement in the modern era of the competition.

Since stepping down from Real Madrid for a second time in 2021, Zidane has repeatedly been linked with leading roles at top European clubs. However, he turned down several approaches, reportedly preferring to wait for the chance to manage his country.

With the FFF now moving towards formally confirming his appointment, France appear set to enter a new cycle under one of their greatest ever players, as Zidane returns to the national stage not as a playmaker, but as the man tasked with shaping the future of Les Bleus.