Zidane to become France head coach after World Cup semi‑final loss

France were eliminated from the 2026 FIFA World Cup after a 2‑0 semi‑final defeat to Spain, ending Didier Deschamps' 14‑year tenure as manager. In the wake of the loss, the French Football Federation announced plans to formalise a contract with former player‑coach Zinedine Zidane, with the agreement expected to be signed after the tournament and to run through the 2030 World Cup. The move was reported by journalist Fabrizio Romano, who said Zidane has turned down all other offers in the past eight months and is focused solely on taking over the national side. Deschamps, who guided France to the 2018 World Cup title and multiple tournament finals, will step down as scheduled, leaving a legacy of consistent success. Zidane, a World Cup winner as a player and a three‑time Champions League winner as Real Madrid coach, is set to inherit a talented squad that includes Kylian Mbappé and other world‑class players, with the aim of restoring France to the top of international football.