Zinedine Zidane Appointed Head Coach of France

On July 28 2026, the French Football Federation announced that former Real Madrid manager Zinedine Zidane will succeed Didier Deschamps as head coach of the France men’s national team. Zidane signed a four-year contract that runs through the 2030 World Cup. His first competitive assignment will be an away UEFA Nations League match against Turkey on September 25 2026, followed by a home fixture versus Italy on October 2 2026.

TRT WorldZinédine Zidane appointed new France head coach Zidane appointed as France head coach

Deschamps, in charge since 2012, led Les Bleus to the 2018 World Cup title, the 2022 final and a semifinal finish at the 2026 World Cup before stepping down. Zidane, 54, resigned from Real Madrid in May 2021 and spent five years out of management, repeatedly stating that the France job was his sole ambition. As a player he earned 108 caps and 31 goals; as a coach he guided Real Madrid to three consecutive Champions League titles (2016-2018) and two La Liga crowns.

CBS SportsZinedine Zidane becomes new France manager The National News

• Contract length: four years, covering Nations League, Euro 2028 qualifiers and the 2030 World Cup.

ESPN

• First matches: Turkey (away, Sept 25), Belgium (away, Sept 28), Italy (home, Oct 2).

The Hindu

• France’s recent record: 2018 champions, 2022 runners-up, 2026 semifinalists (lost 2-0 to Spain) and third-place losers to England (6-4).

ESPN

• Zidane’s playing record: 108 appearances, 31 goals, 29 assists for France; two World Cup finals, one Euro final.

ESPN

• Coaching record: three straight Champions League titles (2016-2018), two La Liga titles (2017, 2020).

France 24

He thanked Deschamps for 14 years of service and noted that talks with Zidane began in February 2025 after Deschamps announced his intention to step down. The FFF’s release called the hire a “source of immense pride” and highlighted a “gifted generation” that includes Kylian Mbappé, Ousmane Dembélé and Adrien Rabiot.

France's predicted XI under Zinedine Zidane as legend returns

• “The France job was the only one I wanted,” — Zinedine Zidane

France 24

• “For me, it's an immense joy... being able to become the coach of this French team. I don't have any other words,” — Zinedine Zidane

RFI (Radio France Internationale)

• “This is an exceptional moment, exceptional because of the person sat next to me,” — Philippe Diallo, federation president

ESPN

Zidane’s appointment marks the first time a former World Cup-winning player for France will manage the side, joining Deschamps and Laurent Blanc in that rare group. The transition comes as France seeks to rebound from the 2026 World Cup exit and maintain its status as a global favorite for upcoming tournaments. Zidane’s experience in knockout competitions may shape France’s tactical approach in the Nations League and Euro 2028 qualifying, while his personal connection to the squad could boost morale.

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• 1 August 2026: Contract begins.

The Hindu

• 25 September 2026: Travel to Turkey for the first Nations League match under Zidane.

TRT World

• 28 September 2026: Belgium (away) – second Nations League fixture.

ESPN

• 2 October 2026: Italy (home) – first home match at the Stade de France.

France 24

• 2027-2029: Euro 2028 qualifying cycle.

ESPN

• 2029-2030: Preparation for the 2030 World Cup, co-hosted by Spain, Portugal and Morocco.

France 24