Zinedine Zidane appointed head coach of France national football team

Zinedine Zidane will officially take charge of the French national football team on Tuesday, July 28 2026, succeeding Didier Deschamps after 14 years. The French Football Federation announced a press conference for his presentation, confirming a contract that runs from 1 August 2026 to 31 July 2030, covering the next World Cup cycle.

Zidane, the former Real Madrid manager who won three consecutive UEFA Champions League titles, named a technical staff that includes deputies David Bettoni, Hamidou Msaidie, Stéphane Plancque, Gregory Dupont, as well as former French internationals Bernard Diomède and Fabien Barthez. He is expected to work with star striker Kylian Mbappé and guide France into upcoming major tournaments, including Euro 2028.

The appointment sparked internal tension at the federation. Vice‑president Jean‑Michel Aulas criticised the lack of consultation and the leaking of Comex discussions to the press, describing the process as “perturbing” and demanding more transparent communication. Despite the controversy, the federation confirmed that Zidane’s selection was motivated by his track record and the desire for a fresh direction for Les Bleus.