Zinedine Zidane has finalized an agreement with the French Football Federation to take over as coach of the French national team, succeeding Didier Deschamps, after Les Bleus’ participation in the 2026 World Cup.
Since the start of his coaching career, Zidane has stated that he dreams of coaching the French national team. Since leaving Real Madrid three years ago, he has rejected numerous lucrative offers, hoping to achieve his ultimate goal of coaching his country.
Deschamps announced months ago that the 2026 World Cup would be his last with the French national team and that he would resign afterward, regardless of the results, after 12 years in charge, during which he led his country to victory in the 2018 World Cup and a runner-up finish in 2022.
According to Sky Sports, a verbal agreement was reached between Zidane and the French Federation in recent hours, and the deal is complete. The Real Madrid legend will be the new coach of Les Bleus after the upcoming World Cup.
The announcement of Zidane’s appointment remains uncertain. French Football Federation president Philippe Diallo previously stated that the new French coach would likely be revealed before or after the 2026 World Cup, depending on the agreement reached with Deschamps.
Zidane’s name had been mentioned in recent days as a possible candidate to coach Real Madrid, but this possibility now seems closed following his agreement with the French national team.
It’s worth noting that France has been drawn into a tough group for the 2026 World Cup, alongside Senegal, Norway, and the winner of the intercontinental play-off (Bolivia, Iraq, or Suriname).
