Zinedine Zidane Named France Manager as 2026 World Cup Transition Begins

The Return of a Legend: Zidane Takes the Reigns

The French Football Federation (FFF) confirmed on Tuesday, July 28, 2026, that Zinedine Zidane will take over as the head coach of the men's national team. Federation president Philippe Diallo announced the appointment at the FFF's Paris headquarters, securing the 54-year-old on a four-year contract. This move follows the departure of Didier Deschamps, who stepped down after France suffered a semifinal loss to Spain in the most recent World Cup.

Zidane, who has remained away from the sidelines since exiting Real Madrid in 2021, admitted that leading Les Bleus was his primary focus. Despite receiving multiple offers from top-tier clubs over the last five years, he declined them all to wait for this specific opening. During the press conference, an emotional Zidane described the appointment as the happiest day of his coaching career, stating that the prospect of managing the national side was the only logical step after his tenure in Madrid.

Tactical Shift and Offensive Vision

As a former world-class number 10, Zidane indicated that his tactical approach would differ from the structure utilized by his predecessor. He expressed a desire to shift the team's identity toward a more goal-oriented style of play. While acknowledging the remarkable success of Deschamps, who led France to a 2018 World Cup victory, Zidane emphasized his intention to use his on-field leadership experience to guide the current roster of extraordinary talent.

Negotiations for this transition began as early as February 2025. Diallo noted that the federation held talks with Zidane shortly after Deschamps revealed his intention to resign following the 2026 tournament cycle. The FFF president characterized the hiring as an exceptional moment for French football, citing Zidane's status as a sporting icon.

Upcoming Fixtures and a Symbolic Italy Clash

The new era begins with away matches in the Nations League. Zidane will make his debut on the touchline against Turkey on September 25, followed by a visit to Belgium three days later. However, the most anticipated fixture sits further on the calendar.

• September 25: Away debut against Turkey
• September 28: Nations League fixture in Belgium
• October 2: Home opener at Stade de France against Italy

The October 2 match against Italy marks a significant historical return for Zidane. It will take place two decades after his final match as a player—the 2006 World Cup final—where his career ended with a red card following a physical altercation with Marco Materazzi. Zidane acknowledged the significance of the Italy fixture, citing his personal history with the country and his familiarity with the language and culture.

Source: The Hindu — Football