What You Need to Know
• Zinedine Zidane has been appointed as the head coach of the France national football team.
• Zidane succeeds Didier Deschamps, who ended his 14-year tenure after France’s fourth-place finish at the World Cup.
• Zidane will begin his coaching role with a UEFA Nations League match against Turkiye on September 7, 2026.
Former France midfielder Zinedine Zidane has been named the head coach of the France national football team, as announced by the French Football Federation on X on Tuesday, July 28, 2026. This appointment follows Didier Deschamps’ departure after a 14-year tenure, which concluded with a fourth-place finish at the World Cup, including a 6-4 loss to England in the semifinals. Zidane, 54, is set to kick off his coaching career with an away UEFA Nations League match against Turkiye on September 7, 2026, before hosting Italy at the Stade de France on October 2, 2026. Deschamps led the team to significant victories, including the 2018 World Cup title and the 2020-21 Nations League trophy.
Why It Matters
Zinedine Zidane’s appointment as head coach marks a significant transition for the France national football team following Didier Deschamps’ long and successful tenure. Deschamps managed the team for 185 matches, achieving 120 victories and guiding France to multiple prestigious titles. Zidane’s previous experience as a successful manager at Real Madrid and his history as a player for the national team, including winning the 1998 World Cup, adds to the expectations surrounding his leadership. This change comes at a critical time as France aims to rebuild and improve after their recent World Cup performance.
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