Zidane appointed France head coach on four-year deal to lead team to 2030 World Cup

Zinédine Zidane has been officially appointed as the new head coach of the French national football team, succeeding Didier Deschamps. The French Football Federation (FFF) confirmed the appointment on Tuesday, July 28, 2026. Zidane has signed a four-year contract that will take him through to the 2030 World Cup.
The appointment comes after France's exit from the World Cup, where they finished in fourth place. Zidane, who has been out of the spotlight since coaching Real Madrid, is considered one of France's greatest football legends. He previously guided Real Madrid to three Champions League trophies and two La Liga titles during his tenure from 2016 to 2021.
Zidane expressed his excitement and pride in taking on the role. "I have often said, 'There is nothing greater than the French national team'. It is therefore a joy – and obviously a source of great pride – to become the head coach of this French team," he said in a statement. "It is also a responsibility. Needless to say, I have great ambitions for the French national team!"
The FFF president, Philippe Diallo, described Zidane's appointment as a "source of immense pride" for the organization. Zidane's first assignment will be France's Nations League campaign in the autumn, with games against Turkey, Belgium, and Italy.
Zidane's appointment was met with enthusiasm from fans and the football community. Hundreds of fans gathered outside the FFF headquarters to greet Zidane, cheering loudly as he arrived.
Zidane's career as a player includes 108 caps for France, with the crowning moment being the World Cup success in 1998. He also won Euro 2000 but was sent off in the 2006 World Cup final defeat to Italy. On the domestic front, he won titles with Juventus and Real Madrid.
Deschamps, who stepped down after 14 years in charge, oversaw France's World Cup success in 2018 and a runners-up finish in 2022. However, France's performance in the recent World Cup, where they lost to eventual winners Spain in the semi-finals, marked the end of his tenure.
Zidane's first match as head coach will be against Turkey on September 25, 2026, as part of the Nations League campaign.
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