Zinedine Zidane is set to become the next head coach of the French national team immediately after the 2026 FIFA World Cup, according to multiple high-level reports. The legendary 1998 World Cup winner has reached a verbal agreement with the French Football Federation (FFF) to succeed Didier Deschamps once the tournament in the USA, Canada, and Mexico concludes.
Zinedine Zidane has reportedly reached a verbal agreement with the French Football Federation.
FFF President Philippe Diallo has effectively confirmed the succession plan, stating that the next coach has already been chosen and a smooth transition is being prepared after the 2026 World Cup.
Zidane’s Return: The Long-Awaited Homecoming
Zidane, who has been out of coaching since leaving Real Madrid in 2021, has long been viewed as the natural successor to Deschamps. The 53-year-old will take charge of “Les Bleus” for the 2028 European Championship qualifying campaign and beyond.
Fabrizio Romano, one of the most reliable sources in football, confirmed:
“Zidane has reached a verbal agreement with the French Federation. He will be the new national team coach after the World Cup.”
This move ends years of speculation about Zidane’s future. The former Real Madrid manager won three Champions League titles in a row (2016–2018) and is widely regarded as one of the greatest coaches of his generation.
Deschamps Era Comes to an End
Didier Deschamps, who has been in charge since 2012, led France to the 2018 World Cup title and the 2022 final. His contract is set to expire after the 2026 tournament, and the FFF has chosen not to extend it.
Deschamps is expected to step down with one of the most successful records in French football history, paving the way for Zidane to bring fresh ideas and a more attacking philosophy.
Is Zinedine Zidane the perfect coach for France at the 2026 World Cup?
Zidane will not take over until after the 2026 FIFA World Cup tournament, so Deschamps will lead the team in North America. However, the announcement gives the squad clarity and motivation heading into what could be Deschamps’ final major competition.
France enters the 2026 World Cup as one of the top favourites, and the prospect of Zidane taking over immediately after could make them even stronger for the 2028 Euros.
Overall Managerial Record (Real Madrid First Team)
| Metric | Records |
|---|---|
| Total Matches | 263 |
| Wins | 174 |
| Draws | 53 |
| Losses | 36 |
| Win Percentage | 66.16% |
Zidane won a total of 11 major trophies with Real Madrid:
- UEFA Champions League (3): 2015–16, 2016–17, 2017–18
- La Liga (2): 2016–17, 2019–20
- FIFA Club World Cup (2): 2016, 2017
- UEFA Super Cup (2): 2016, 2017
- Supercopa de España (2): 2017, 2019–20
What is Zinedine Zidane’s role with the France Football Team
Zidane is expected to sign a formal contract in the coming weeks, with the official announcement likely to come shortly after the 2026 World Cup final in July.
This transition represents a new era for French football — from the pragmatic Deschamps era to the flair and charisma of Zidane.
The 2026 FIFA World Cup is now just 3 months away, and the football world is already looking forward to what Zidane can achieve with one of the most talented squads on the planet.
