Zinedine Zidane set to be named France head coach as Deschamps era ends

Zinedine Zidane is poised to take charge of the French national team on a four‐year deal, with the French Football Federation (FFF) expected to confirm his appointment in the coming days, according to reports in France.

French sports daily L’Equipe says the FFF has pencilled in next Tuesday as the provisional date to announce the start of the “Zidane era”, bringing to an end Didier Deschamps’ 14‐year spell in charge of Les Bleus.

Zidane, who captained France to World Cup glory in 1998, would be taking on his first ever role as a national team head coach, following a glittering club career in management with Real Madrid.

Four‐year contract and ‘new project’

L’Equipe reports that Zidane is set to sign a four‐year contract to lead France, after months of talks and “coordination” between the two sides over the sporting project and the long‐term vision for the team.

Philippe Diallo, president of the FFF, is understood to have held a series of meetings with Zidane in recent weeks to finalise the details of the project, including the structure and composition of a revamped backroom staff.

The federation is already preparing the formal announcement, with internal departments said to be working intensively on the final touches to the unveiling. A press conference to present Zidane is expected to follow, although it could be scheduled for a later date depending on logistical arrangements.

Deschamps steps aside after 14 years

Deschamps’ tenure with France has come to an end after he guided the national side to fourth place at the 2026 World Cup, co‐hosted by the United States, Canada and Mexico.

The FFF had hoped to organise a special ceremony to honour Deschamps for his 14 years at the helm, during which he won the 2018 World Cup and reached two further major finals. However, according to the report, the 55‐year‐old showed little desire for such a tribute and preferred not to have a formal farewell event.

Deschamps’ departure clears the way for Zidane, long viewed as the natural heir to the job, having repeatedly been linked with the post over the past decade.

Extensive backroom changes planned

The new coaching team under Zidane is expected to look markedly different from Deschamps’ long‐standing staff.

L’Equipe says August has been earmarked to complete the make‐up of the new technical staff, with “wide‐ranging” changes anticipated compared with the previous set‐up. Some members of the new backroom team are scheduled to begin their duties at the start of September.

The FFF is also believed to be working on how best to integrate Zidane’s preferred assistants and support staff, given his established methods from club football.

Nations League to mark Zidane’s debut

Zidane’s first games in charge of Les Bleus are set to come in the next international window, in the UEFA Nations League.

France are scheduled to play four matches: away to Turkey on 25 September, then Belgium on 28 September, followed by Italy on 2 October, before a second meeting with Belgium on 5 October.

Those fixtures will provide an immediate test of Zidane’s ability to translate his club success to the international stage, as he works with a group that has reached three of the last four World Cup finals.

From Real Madrid glory to national duty

The 52‐year‐old enjoyed a hugely successful managerial spell at Real Madrid, where he won multiple trophies, most notably three consecutive UEFA Champions League titles.

Since leaving Madrid after his second spell in 2021, Zidane has turned down several offers from leading clubs around Europe. The report says he rejected all approaches as he waited specifically for the opportunity to coach the French national team.

His anticipated appointment signals a major new chapter for French football, placing one of its most iconic figures at the centre of its plans for the 2030 World Cup cycle and beyond.