Zidane set to take over as France head coach

Former Real Madrid coach Zinedine Zidane has reportedly reached a verbal agreement to take over as head coach of the France national football team.

Zidane, 53, is expected to succeed Didier Deschamps after the 2026 World Cup.

Deschamps, who has led Les Bleus for 14 years, is stepping down following a long and successful tenure that included a World Cup and multiple major tournament campaigns.

According to ESPN, the only remaining details to be finalised before Zidane officially signs are the composition of his coaching staff and the size of his technical team.

In a recent interview with Le Figaro, FFF president Philippe Diallo hinted at the identity of Deschamps’ successor without confirming the name. “I know who it is,” Diallo said. Sources have since confirmed that Zidane is the chosen replacement.

Zidane, who finished his second spell at Real Madrid in 2021, has long been tipped as Deschamps’ natural successor. This will be his first role in international football management.