The announcement that Zinedine Zidane has reached a verbal agreement to take over as the head coach of the French national football team after the 2026 World Cup marks a significant shift in the landscape of French football. Zidane, who has been out of management since leaving Real Madrid in 2021, is set to succeed Didier Deschamps, who will step down from his position following the tournament. This transition not only highlights Zidane’s enduring appeal but also the expectations surrounding the French national team as they aim to maintain their status among the elite in international football.
The decision for Zidane to step into this role comes after a period of speculation regarding his future in coaching. Having expressed a strong desire to manage the French national team, Zidane’s ambitions have been well-documented. “I’d like to be the head coach of the France team one day. I will surely return to coaching,” he stated, underlining his commitment to leading his country. His previous success, including three consecutive Champions League titles with Real Madrid, positions him as a formidable candidate to guide France into a new era.
Philippe Diallo, the president of the French Football Federation (FFF), acknowledged Zidane’s potential impact, stating, “It takes a profile that ticks many boxes and which can also be the subject of support from the French people.” This sentiment reflects the broader expectation that Zidane will resonate with fans and players alike, fostering a sense of unity and ambition within the squad. The FFF’s backing of Zidane indicates a strategic move to ensure continuity and success in French football.
Deschamps, who has led the team since 2012, has been a pivotal figure in French football, guiding the national team to victory in the 2018 World Cup and the 2020 UEFA European Championship. His decision to step down after the 2026 World Cup opens a new chapter for the team, one that Zidane is eager to embrace. Deschamps remarked, “I did my time with the same desire, the same passion to keep the French team at the highest level,” emphasizing the legacy he leaves behind.
Despite Zidane’s illustrious past, questions remain about the challenges he will face upon his return to management. His absence from the coaching scene since 2021 has led to speculation about his readiness to adapt to the evolving dynamics of international football. Furthermore, Zidane has been linked with various high-profile coaching vacancies, including Manchester United, which adds another layer of complexity to his impending role with the French team.
As the 2026 World Cup approaches, the anticipation surrounding Zidane’s appointment grows. Fans and analysts alike are eager to see how he will implement his vision for the team and whether he can replicate his club success on the international stage. The stakes are high, as France aims to reclaim its position as a dominant force in world football.
Details remain unconfirmed regarding the specific terms of Zidane’s agreement with the FFF, but the commitment to a future with the national team is clear. As the football world watches closely, Zidane’s journey back to the sidelines promises to be one of the most closely followed narratives in the sport.