Zinedine Zidane is set to replace Didier Deschamps as France head coach after the 2026 World Cup, ending Deschamps’ successful 14-year reign.
France are set to begin a new chapter after the 2026 FIFA World Cup, with Zinedine Zidane expected to replace Didier Deschamps as head coach following Les Bleus’ semi-final exit to Spain.
The French Football Federation is moving forward with plans to appoint the legendary former midfielder after Deschamps’ 14-year reign comes to an end. During his tenure, Deschamps guided France to the 2018 World Cup title, two World Cup finals and three consecutive World Cup semi-final appearances.
Reports today revealed that a verbal agreement has already been in place for several months. “The verbal agreement has been in place for months as Zizou will replace Didier Deschamps, waiting for all formal steps”.
🚨🇫🇷 French Federation plan to sign all formal documents with Zinedine Zidane after the end of the World Cup.
Zidane never considered any other proposal over last 8 months; only wanted France job. pic.twitter.com/nertH356Ue
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) July 15, 2026
Zidane arrives with one of the most decorated managerial records in modern football. After beginning his coaching career with Real Madrid Castilla in 2014, he took charge of the senior team in early 2016 and immediately enjoyed remarkable success.
During his first spell at the Santiago Bernabéu, Zidane guided Real Madrid to the 2017 La Liga title and an unprecedented three consecutive UEFA Champions League trophies before stepping down shortly after the 2018 European triumph.
He returned to Real Madrid in 2019 for a second stint, winning another La Liga championship before leaving the Spanish giants in 2021. Since then, Zidane has remained out of management despite receiving interest from several top European clubs.
The 1998 World Cup winner has never hidden his ambition to coach France. “I want to be head coach of France, of course. I will be, I hope, one day,” Zidane previously said, describing the national team job as the pinnacle of his coaching ambitions. He has reportedly turned down multiple offers in recent years while waiting for the opportunity to lead Les Bleus.
With Deschamps now preparing to step aside, Zidane appears ready to fulfil that long-held dream. The former France captain has repeatedly insisted that managing the national team would represent the perfect conclusion to both his playing and coaching journey, and he is now set to inherit one of the most talented squads in international football as France begin a new era.
🚨🇫🇷 OFFICIAL: Didier Deschamps’ cycle as France head coach comes to an end. It’s over. 👋🏼
Last game for the 3rd and 4th place then his goodbye… and the start of Zinedine Zidane era. pic.twitter.com/d3UIAOcEEd
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) July 14, 2026
