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The French Football Federation announced the appointment of Zinedine Zidane as head coach of the national team on July 28, 2026. Zidane signed a four-year deal that will take him through the 2030 FIFA World Cup, according to a Qatar News Agency report on the federation’s decision. He takes over a side that has established itself as a consistent powerhouse in international competitions.
Didier Deschamps stepped down after 14 years in charge, a tenure that began in 2012. Deschamps guided France to victory at the 2018 World Cup in Russia while steering the team to runner-up finishes at both the 2022 and 2026 editions of the tournament, the federation’s announcement detailed. His departure marks the end of an era that delivered sustained success for Les Bleus on the global stage.
Zidane previously coached Real Madrid across two spells from 2016 to 2018 and 2019 to 2021. In that time he secured three UEFA Champions League titles and two La Liga championships, records the federation cited as evidence of his pedigree. The 54-year-old’s transition to the international post follows his decision to decline offers from several club and national teams.
As a player Zidane starred for France in the late 1990s and early 2000s, anchoring the team’s midfield. He played a central role in the 1998 World Cup triumph on home soil and the 2000 European Championship victory, contributing 31 goals across 108 caps for his country. Those achievements cemented his status among the finest talents in French football history.
Zidane outlined his ambitions in comments reported by Qatar News Agency following the announcement. “I am eager to begin working on the training ground and give my all to continue working to help the French national team achieve further success,” he said. The new coach emphasised his commitment to building on the foundation left by his predecessor.
France has featured among the top-ranked teams in FIFA standings for much of the past decade, a position supported by consistent quarter-final or better appearances at major tournaments. The federation’s choice of Zidane aligns with a strategy of placing a decorated former captain at the helm during a period of transition. Additional details on his backroom staff and first matches are expected in the coming weeks.
