Zinedine Zidane has been appointed as the new head coach of the French national football team, replacing Didier Deschamps, according to multiple reports on July 17, 2026. The French Football Federation (FFF) confirmed the decision after Deschamps stepped down following a disappointing performance at the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
Zidane, a former France captain and World Cup winner, previously coached Real Madrid to three consecutive Champions League titles. His first mission will be to prepare the team for the upcoming UEFA Euro 2028 qualifiers, with a focus on rebuilding squad morale and integrating younger players.
The appointment ends months of speculation about Deschamps' successor. Zidane had been linked with several top clubs but expressed his desire to coach the national team. His contract runs through the 2028 European Championship.
