Zinédine Zidane will officially assume control of the France national team on 1 September, succeeding Didier Deschamps following the completion of the 2026 World Cup Bronze final. The former Real Madrid manager is poised to sign a four-year contract with the French Football Federation, with his tenure commencing immediately after Deschamps oversees his 185th and final match in charge against England.
Deschamps departs after a 14-year reign that has seen Les Bleus compete consistently at the highest level. His stewardship concludes with the third-place playoff, which follows a semi-final defeat to Spain that denied France a place in the World Cup final. The outgoing manager leaves having established himself as one of the most successful coaches in the nation’s history.
Mbappé leads tributes
France captain Kylian Mbappé has led the tributes to Deschamps, posting a heartfelt message on X acknowledging the manager’s contribution to the national team’s revival. The Real Madrid forward, who scored all 64 of his international goals under Deschamps, expressed regret that the squad could not secure a better farewell.
“We should have given you a better send-off, but we failed to do so,” Mbappé wrote. “People haven’t always appreciated your greatness, but time and history will see to that.”
Mbappé described feeling privileged to have played under Deschamps, stating: “I have nothing but fond memories of everything we’ve experienced and achieved together.” He thanked the outgoing coach for the opportunity to represent France and for his service to the national shirt.
Zidane’s immediate challenge
The 1998 Ballon d’Or winner faces an instant examination of his credentials, with four UEFA Nations League fixtures scheduled during a congested three-week international break beginning in early September. This rapid start leaves minimal time for tactical implementation as Zidane assesses a squad accustomed to operating under Deschamps’ methods for over a decade.
The French FA is expected to formalise Zidane’s appointment and confirm his backroom staff in the coming days. The four-year agreement provides stability through the next international cycle, allowing the new regime time to imprint its identity before the next major tournament.
Zidane, who was long considered the overwhelming favourite to succeed his former France and Juventus teammate, inherits a squad rich in talent but requiring fresh direction after the disappointment of the World Cup semi-finals. His challenge will be to maintain Les Bleus’ competitive standards while introducing his own approach to a group that has known only one managerial voice since 2012.