Zinedine Zidane was appointed head coach of the France national football team, the French Football Federation announced on July 28, 2026 [1, 2, 3]. He replaces Didier Deschamps, who ended a 14-year tenure following France’s fourth-place finish at the 2026 World Cup [1, 2, 3].
Deschamps managed France from 2012 to 2026, overseeing 185 matches and securing 120 victories [2, 3]. His tenure included winning the 2018 World Cup, the 2020-21 UEFA Nations League, reaching the 2016 European Championship final, and the 2022 World Cup final [2, 3, 4]. At the 2026 World Cup, France lost 2-0 to Spain in the semi-finals and then 6-4 to England in the third-place playoff [1, 2, 3].
Zidane, 54, is a former France midfielder and 1998 World Cup winner with the national team [1, 2, 3]. He has not coached since leaving Real Madrid in 2021, where he won three consecutive UEFA Champions League titles as head coach [5, 6, 7]. Zidane signed a four-year contract effective August 1, 2026, to lead France through the 2030 World Cup qualifiers [6, 7].
"I have so many emotions, I am ready for the challenge. That's what motivates me," Zidane said upon his appointment [6]. He added, "I turned down all coaching offers over the past five years because I wanted to manage the France national team, describing the role as 'the only thing' I wanted to do and 'a dream.'" [7]. Zidane also praised Deschamps' service, saying, "I want to thank [French Football Federation] president Philippe Diallo, the executive committee, and the French Football Federation for their confidence and acknowledge the 14 years of service from Didier and his staff." [1]
Federation president Philippe Diallo called Zidane "one of the legends of French soccer" and noted that taking charge of the national team had long been Zidane's dream [6].
Zidane’s first competitive match in charge will be an away UEFA Nations League game against Turkey on September 25, 2026 [1, 8]. France will host Italy at the Stade de France on October 2, 2026, for Zidane’s second match as coach [2, 3].
