Quick Read
- Zinédine Zidane has a verbal agreement to manage France after the 2026 World Cup.
- He will succeed current coach Didier Deschamps, who is expected to depart after the tournament.
- This marks Zidane’s return to coaching after leaving Real Madrid in 2021.
- The appointment fulfills Zidane’s long-held ambition to lead the national team.
- Transfer journalist Fabrizio Romano is cited as a key source for this development.
PARIS (Azat TV) – Legendary French footballer and acclaimed coach Zinédine Zidane has reportedly reached a verbal agreement to take over as the manager of the France national team following the conclusion of the 2026 FIFA World Cup. This highly anticipated move would mark Zidane’s return to the dugout after a five-year hiatus and fulfill his long-stated ambition to lead Les Bleus, signaling a new era for French football.
According to reports from Italian outlet Tuttomercatoweb, citing prominent transfer journalist Fabrizio Romano, the verbal understanding is in place for Zidane to succeed current head coach Didier Deschamps. Deschamps, who has led France since 2012, including a 2018 World Cup victory and a run to the 2022 final, is expected to complete his current cycle with the 2026 tournament in the USA, Canada, and Mexico. His departure was reportedly announced in January 2025, paving the way for Zidane’s potential appointment.
Zinédine Zidane’s Return to Management
Zidane’s last coaching role concluded in 2021 when he stepped down from Real Madrid for a second time. During his two spells at the Spanish giant, he cemented his reputation as one of the modern era’s most decorated coaches, notably guiding the club to an unprecedented three consecutive UEFA Champions League titles, along with two La Liga trophies and two Spanish Super Cups. His tactical acumen and ability to manage a squad of elite talent were widely praised, making his prolonged absence from the game a constant topic of speculation.
Despite being linked with numerous high-profile club positions, including Manchester United and Juventus, Zidane consistently indicated his preference for the France national team job. Speaking at the Festivo dello Sport in Trento last October, he publicly reiterated his desire, stating, “Without a doubt, I will return to coaching. But one of my goals is to coach the French national team. We’ll see.” This reported verbal agreement suggests that his patience and focus on the national role have paid off.
The Path to the French National Team
Didier Deschamps, a former teammate of Zidane’s from France’s 1998 World Cup-winning squad, has enjoyed a highly successful tenure as national team coach. Under his leadership, France reached back-to-back World Cup finals and secured the UEFA Nations League title in 2021. The transition after the 2026 World Cup allows for a clean break and a fresh start for the squad without disrupting a major tournament campaign. The French national team continues to boast a wealth of elite talent and depth, presenting Zidane with a formidable foundation upon which to build.
Zidane’s Legacy and Future Role
Zinédine Zidane’s legendary status in French football stems from his illustrious playing career, which saw him lead France to victory in the 1998 World Cup and the 2000 European Championship, alongside receiving multiple individual accolades such as FIFA World Player of the Year. His deep connection to French football, combined with his proven track record as a top-tier coach, makes him a natural fit for the national team role. While a verbal agreement is not a signed contract and official appointments can still be subject to formal processes, this development strongly positions Zidane as the front runner for a role he has long coveted.
The potential appointment of Zinédine Zidane as France’s head coach after the 2026 World Cup underscores the strategic planning within French football to leverage its most iconic figures for continued success on the international stage, aiming to sustain the national team’s competitive edge for the next cycle.