Zinedine Zidane named France football head coach

After 14 years in charge, Didier Deschamps announced his departure as manager of the French national team following the 2026 World Cup, citing a "toxic atmosphere" around the squad. His tenure included the 2018 World Cup title, a Nations League win and a run to the 2022 World Cup final.

Former Real Madrid manager Zinedine Zidane has signed a contract to succeed Deschamps. The deal, reported by L’Équipe and transfer journalist Fabrizio Romano, runs until June 2030 and will become effective on 1 September 2026. Zidane is expected to lead France in the 2027 Nations League, Euro 2028 and the 2030 World Cup. The French Football Federation has said an official announcement will be made before the end of July, and Zidane’s staff – including long‑time assistant David Bettoni, assistant Hamidou Msaidie and goalkeeper coach Fabien Barthez – is being assembled.

The appointment follows France’s 4‑6 loss to England in the 2026 World Cup third‑place match and marks a new era for Les Bleus after Deschamps’ 185‑match spell.