Frank Rondel
Zinedine Zidane has officially become the new head coach of the France national football team. The French Football Federation confirmed his appointment on 28 July 2026. The 54-year-old signed a four-year contract running through the 2030 World Cup, reports the customreceipt.com.
Zidane replaces Didier Deschamps after 14 years
Zidane succeeds Didier Deschamps, who had managed France since July 2012. His tenure ended after France finished fourth at the 2026 World Cup.
The team lost to Spain in the semi-final. England then defeated France 6–4 in the third-place match.
The coaching change closes one of the most successful periods in French football history. Deschamps guided France to the 2018 World Cup title and the 2022 final.
Key details of Zidane’s appointment include:
- contract length: four years;
- appointment date: 28 July 2026;
- final tournament under the deal: 2030 World Cup;
- predecessor: Didier Deschamps;
- first scheduled opponent: Turkey.
Zidane had remained without a coaching position since leaving Real Madrid in 2021. The France role marks his return after five years away from management.
Why France selected Zidane
Zidane built his coaching reputation during two spells with Real Madrid. He led the Spanish club to three consecutive Champions League titles between 2016 and 2018.
He became the first manager to achieve that feat in the competition’s modern format. His record also includes two Spanish league titles.
| Career stage | Main achievement |
|---|---|
| France player | 1998 World Cup winner |
| France player | Euro 2000 winner |
| Individual award | 1998 Ballon d’Or |
| Real Madrid coach | Three consecutive Champions League titles |
| France coach | Contract through the 2030 World Cup |
His international playing record strengthens the symbolic importance of the appointment. Zidane scored 31 goals in 108 appearances for France.
He scored twice in the 1998 World Cup final against Brazil. France won 3–0 and claimed its first world title.
When will Zidane manage his first France match?
Zidane’s first competitive match will be away against Turkey on 25 September 2026. France will then visit Belgium on 28 September.
Both fixtures belong to the 2026–27 UEFA Nations League. France shares Group A1 with Turkey, Belgium and Italy.
The opening schedule gives Zidane little room for experimentation. His first two matches will be played away from home against established European opponents.
France will host Italy on 2 October at the Stade de France. The early Nations League campaign should reveal Zidane’s preferred formation and squad hierarchy.
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