Trending Now - Zinedine Zidane Set to Return as France National Team Coach

WHO:

Zinedine Zidane, former Real Madrid manager

Didier Deschamps, outgoing France national team head coach

Fédération Française de Football (FFF)

Philippe Diallo, head of the FFF

WHAT:

Zidane has reached a verbal agreement to succeed Deschamps as the France national team head coach.

Zidane's official appointment is expected to occur after the conclusion of the 2026 World Cup.

Zidane last coached Real Madrid during the 2020-21 season.

WHERE:

France (national team context)

Real Madrid (previous coaching context)

WHEN:

Zidane is expected to be appointed in the summer of 2026.

Deschamps has been the head coach for 14 years.

WHY:

Zidane has been waiting for Deschamps to leave the position to take over as head coach.

HOW:

A verbal agreement has been reached between Zidane and the FFF regarding his appointment.

(UPDATED March 23, 2026 13:38 UTC)

Zinedine Zidane has reached a verbal agreement to succeed Didier Deschamps as the head coach of the France national team, with his official appointment expected to take place after the conclusion of the 2026 World Cup. Zidane, who last coached Real Madrid during the 2020-21 season, has been waiting for Deschamps, who has held the position for 14 years, to step down. Philippe Diallo, the head of the Fédération Française de Football, confirmed the agreement today.