Zinedine Zidane is expected to be confirmed as France’s new head coach within days, with the French Football Federation (FFF) reportedly preparing to formally end Didier Deschamps’ 14-year reign and usher in what local media are calling “the Zidane era”.
According to French sports daily L’Equipe, the FFF has pencilled in next Tuesday as the provisional date to announce Zidane’s appointment, following months of talks and planning. The 1998 World Cup winner is set to take charge of Les Bleus on a four-year contract.
Final talks and new project
L’Equipe reports that FFF president Philippe Diallo has held a series of meetings with Zidane in recent weeks to finalise the sporting project and agree the structure of a new backroom staff.
The discussions are understood to have focused on reshaping the technical set-up around the 52-year-old, who would be stepping into his first role in international management after a highly successful club career in the dugout with Real Madrid.
The federation had hoped to stage a special ceremony to honour Deschamps, who has led France since 2012, but the outgoing coach is said not to have been keen on any formal tribute event, according to the same report.
Deschamps’ long tenure ended with France finishing fourth at the 2026 World Cup, co-hosted by the United States, Canada and Mexico.
Announcement plans and media unveiling
Once the appointment is made official, the FFF intends to hold a press conference to present Zidane as the new national coach. However, that media event may take place on a later date rather than immediately following the announcement, as preparations continue at the federation’s headquarters.
Behind the scenes, staff are reportedly working intensively to finalise the choreography of the announcement and the introduction of Zidane’s technical team, underscoring the symbolic weight attached to the transition.
L’Equipe adds that August has been earmarked to complete the composition of the new coaching staff, with wide-ranging changes expected compared with Deschamps’ long-serving team. Some members of the new set-up are scheduled to begin their duties at the start of September.
Nations League bow for Zidane
Zidane’s first matches in charge are due to come in the next international window, in the UEFA Nations League, where France face a demanding schedule of four fixtures.
Les Bleus are scheduled to play Turkey on 25 September before meeting Belgium on 28 September. They then host Italy on 2 October, ahead of a second encounter with Belgium on 5 October.
The sequence will offer an immediate test of Zidane’s ability to translate his club success onto the international stage, as well as a first glimpse of any tactical and selection changes he plans to make.
From Real Madrid glory to long-awaited national role
Zidane’s move into international coaching would follow a trophy-laden spell at Real Madrid, where he won multiple titles, including three consecutive UEFA Champions League crowns – an unprecedented achievement in the modern era.
Since leaving Madrid after his second stint in 2021, Zidane has been repeatedly linked with leading his country, but also attracted interest from several top European clubs and, reportedly, from national teams elsewhere.
He is understood to have declined all offers since then, determined to wait for the France job to become available.
If confirmed as Deschamps’ successor, Zidane would inherit a squad rich in established stars and emerging talents, but also the burden of expectation that comes with taking over one of world football’s most powerful national teams from its most successful coach of the modern era.
