The French Football Federation (FFF) announced on July 17, 2026, that Zinedine Zidane will succeed Didier Deschamps as head coach of the France national team following the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Deschamps, who has led Les Bleus since 2012, will step down after the tournament in North America.
Zidane, 54, returns to coaching after leaving Real Madrid in 2021. He previously won three consecutive UEFA Champions League titles with the Spanish club (2016, 2017, 2018) and two La Liga titles. The 1998 World Cup winner with France has long been linked to the national team job.
FFF president Philippe Diallo confirmed the appointment in a press conference, stating: 'Zinedine Zidane is the ideal person to continue the legacy of French football. We are confident in his ability to lead the team forward.' Deschamps, who led France to the 2018 World Cup title and the 2021 Nations League, will remain in charge until the end of the 2026 World Cup.
Zidane's contract is reportedly set to run through the 2028 European Championship. The move ends years of speculation about his future, with the former midfielder having turned down other offers to wait for the France position.
