Zinédine Zidane Set to Become France National Team Head Coach Following World Cup 2026

Zinédine Zidane is poised to take over as the head coach of the French national football team, with an official announcement expected on July 28, 2026, shortly after France's World Cup match against England. This appointment marks the end of Didier Deschamps’ 14-year tenure, during which he led France to a fourth-place finish in the 2026 World Cup after a 4-6 loss to England in the third-place playoff.

Zidane, who has been without a coaching position since departing Real Madrid in 2021, is set to sign a four-year contract extending through to the 2030 World Cup. He has expressed a strong desire to reconnect with the French team, famously stating in 2022, “I want to close the loop with the French team.”

His tenure will officially begin on August 1, 2026. Throughout the summer, Zidane will focus on finalizing his coaching staff, which is expected to include as many as 25 members. A significant aspect of his staffing strategy is to build a diverse technical team, with special emphasis on incorporating women, especially in the vital area of data analysis.

Zidane’s first competitive matches as coach will be in the UEFA Nations League starting late September 2026. The French team is scheduled to play against Turkey, Belgium, and Italy during this period, providing an early test for Zidane’s tactical approach.

Philippe Diallo, president of the French Football Federation (FFF), confirmed that the suspense surrounding Zidane’s appointment would be resolved by the end of July. Zidane’s arrival signifies a new era for the French national team after the long and successful reign of Deschamps.