Zinédine Zidane has been appointed head coach of the France national football team on a four-year contract through the 2030 FIFA World Cup, succeeding Didier Deschamps after the team’s World Cup semifinal exit. Zidane takes charge ahead of the UEFA Nations League fixtures, inheriting a squad that blends established stars with seven first-time senior call-ups.
A Long-Awaited Appointment for a French Legend
Zinédine Zidane finally assumes the role he coveted, taking over the France national team following a transition announced by the French Football Federation (FFF) and its president, Philippe Diallo. After five years away from management since leaving Real Madrid in the spring of 2021, the former France playmaker stepped into the position following the conclusion of Deschamps’s 14-year tenure. Zidane becomes the 18th head coach in the history of Les Bleus since Henri Guérin took charge in 1964.
“I’ve often said it: there is nothing greater than the French national team,” Zidane said following his appointment. “So it is a joy and obviously a great pride to become the coach of this France team. It is also a responsibility. I want to thank President Philippe Diallo, the Executive Committee, and the French Football Federation for their trust, and salute the fourteen years of Didier and his staff.”
Immediate Squad Overhaul and Nations League Schedule
Zinédine Zidane wasted no time instilling fresh energy into the squad at Clairefontaine, handing first-time senior call-ups to seven players: Andy Diouf, Jérémy Jacquet, Lucas Da Cunha, Adrien Truffert, Estéban Lepaul, Jean Butez, and Leny Yoro. The new head coach will announce the composition of his staff in early September before leading his first training camp.
The fixture schedule opens with UEFA Nations League Group A1 play. France travels to face Turkey on September 25, 2026, before meeting Belgium away on September 28. Les Bleus then return home to host Italy on October 2 at the Stade de France in Saint-Denis, followed by a home fixture against Belgium at the same venue on October 5. Return fixtures see France travel to Italy on November 12 before concluding the group stage against Turkey in Bordeaux on November 15.
High Ambitions for the 2026–2030 Cycle
Federation president Philippe Diallo emphasized the alignment between the federation’s goals and the incoming coach’s profile. “The appointment of Zinédine Zidane at the head of the France team is an immense pride for the French Football Federation,” Diallo stated. “It marks the meeting between a legend of the history of Les Bleus, who has become one of the most titled and respected coaches of his generation, and a selection with rare potential.”
Following the autumn Nations League campaign and potential quarterfinals scheduled for March 2027, Zidane’s squad will contest the European Qualifiers for UEFA Euro 2028, beginning with the draw in Belfast on December 6, 2026. The ultimate target for the four-year agreement remains the 2030 FIFA World Cup.
