Zidane Ready to Take Charge of France National Team

Staff Report: PNN

After a long break, Real Madrid legend Zinedine Zidane is finally returning to coaching. Amid ongoing speculation in the French media, Spanish daily AS journalist Jose Felix Diaz has confirmed that Zidane will take charge of the France national team as head coach after the 2026 FIFA World Cup in North America.

Zidane has not managed any club or national team since leaving Real Madrid for the second time in 2021. He reportedly declined offers from the United States national team and other clubs around the world, as his focus remained on returning to his home country’s national team.

Current French coach Didier Deschamps has been in charge of Les Bleus since 2012. Under him, France won the 2018 World Cup and reached the 2022 World Cup final.

Deschamps signed a new contract in 2023 to remain in charge until July 2026. However, reports suggest that after 14 years, his tenure may soon end, and discussions about potential opportunities in Saudi Arabia have begun between Deschamps and his agent.

Zidane, who played 108 matches for France, scored 31 goals, and won the 1998 World Cup and Euro 2000, is ready to take over after Deschamps departs. Excitement in France is growing over Zidane’s potential return. Recently, he said, “I will be back in coaching very soon.”

At the Trento Sports Festival last month, Zidane openly stated, “One day I definitely want to coach the France national team.”

Outside of coaching, Zidane has spent the past few years participating in charitable projects and international sporting events. Last Sunday, he attended the NFL Spain debut match at Santiago Bernabeu, featuring the Miami Dolphins versus the Washington Commanders.

According to reports, France’s football federation may announce Zidane as the new head coach immediately after the 2026 World Cup, marking the start of a new chapter for the French national team under the three-time Champions League-winning legend.