The French Football Federation (FFF) has confirmed that it has begun formal steps to appoint Zinedine Zidane as the next head coach of the French national team following the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Current manager Didier Deschamps, who has led Les Bleus since 2012, will step down after the tournament in North America, ending a remarkable tenure that included winning the 2018 World Cup and finishing runner-up in 2022.
FFF officials stated that Zidane has always been the natural successor to Deschamps, given his legendary status in French football and his proven managerial success at Real Madrid, where he won three consecutive UEFA Champions League titles between 2016 and 2018. “Zinedine Zidane embodies the spirit of French football both as a player and as a leader. His appointment will mark the beginning of a new era for Les Bleus,” an FFF spokesperson said.
Zidane himself has long expressed his desire to manage the national team, turning down several high-profile club offers in recent years while waiting for the opportunity. His appointment is expected to bring tactical innovation and inspire the next generation of French stars, while maintaining the continuity of success established under Deschamps. Fans and analysts alike believe Zidane’s leadership will reinforce France’s position as a global powerhouse in football.
With the 2026 World Cup set to be Deschamps’ final tournament in charge, anticipation is already building for Zidane’s reign. His arrival promises not only to honor France’s rich footballing heritage but also to chart a bold new path for the future of Les Bleus.
