Zinédine Zidane Takes Charge of France National Team as TF1 Secures Broadcast Rights

Zinédine Zidane has officially been appointed as the head coach of the French national football team, marking a new chapter in French football. This announcement coincides with TF1 acquiring the broadcasting rights for the French team's matches, replacing previous broadcasters M6 and beIN Sports. TF1 expressed excitement about beginning this era with Zidane at the helm, aiming to continue the legacy of the double World Cup champions.

The upcoming UEFA Nations League 2026-2027 season will commence on September 25 in Turkey, with France returning to the Stade de France for Zidane’s debut as coach. The French squad is determined to impress and reclaim the Nations League trophy after their previous victory in 2021. Key fixtures to look forward to include matches against Belgium and Italy scheduled for late September and early October.

Commentary for all France matches will be provided by Grégoire Margotton and former French international Bixente Lizarazu, who reunites with Zidane in a new role as co-commentator. Reporter Saber Desfarges will be on the sidelines, providing additional coverage from the matches. Despite TF1 losing FIFA World Cup rights until 2030, their retention of UEFA Nations League rights ensures significant football content centrals for French viewers.

This transition marks both a strategic broadcast move and a fresh leadership dawn for French football, intertwining media changes with sporting ambitions for Zidane’s national team tenure. The upcoming matches will be keenly watched to gauge Zidane’s immediate impact and the team’s drive to once again triumph in European competition.