By Bilal Ahmed
Zidane to Lead French National Team
Zinedine Zidane, the former head coach of Real Madrid, has reportedly agreed to take over as the new head coach of the French national team. Reports indicate that Zidane is expected to begin his role as Les Bleus boss on September 1st. The French Football Federation has scheduled a press conference for Tuesday, July 28, 2026, at 11:00 a.m. at its headquarters in Paris to announce the new head coach of the men’s national team.
This announcement follows the departure of Didier Deschamps, who resigned after France’s performance in the recent World Cup. Although Zidane’s name has not been officially confirmed by the federation, he is widely anticipated to be the successor. The press conference will be led by Philippe Diallo, the president of the French Football Federation, after an extraordinary Executive Committee meeting.
Deschamps’ Departure and Legacy
Didier Deschamps concluded his 14-year tenure as head coach of the French national team after their third-place playoff loss to England in the World Cup. France was defeated 6-4 in a match where they were 4-0 down at half-time. Earlier in the tournament, France also experienced a 2-0 semi-final defeat against Spain, who went on to become the eventual champions. Deschamps described his time with the team as a “truly wonderful adventure” and acknowledged the disappointment of not achieving their ultimate ambition in the recent tournament.
Under Deschamps’ leadership, France achieved significant success, including winning the 2018 World Cup by defeating Croatia 4-2 in the final. He also guided Les Bleus to the final of the 2022 World Cup, where they were defeated by Argentina in a penalty shootout. Deschamps is one of a select group of individuals who have won the World Cup both as a player and as a coach. Despite the recent setbacks, Deschamps expressed confidence in the future of the French squad, noting the presence of many young players with talent capable of achieving strong results.
Zidane’s Coaching Credentials and Expectations
Zinedine Zidane is considered a logical choice to replace Deschamps, having played alongside him during France’s successful 1998 World Cup campaign. Zidane, a prominent figure in French football, was a key player in that team, notably contributing to a 3-0 final victory against Brazil. His coaching career at Real Madrid saw him lead Los Blancos to two La Liga titles and three Champions League trophies between 2016 and 2021.
Despite a five-year hiatus from coaching, Zidane’s track record is well-regarded. He is seen as a more charismatic figure than his former teammate and his appointment is anticipated to bring a change in playing style for the national team. The prospect of Zidane managing the current French squad, which is described as brimming with talent and potential, could pose a significant challenge for other international teams. France has been a contender in the last three World Cups, securing the trophy once during that period.
Accreditation requests for the upcoming press conference must be submitted by Friday, July 24, at noon, with confirmations being sent individually by the FFF press office.
Read Also
Source: thefootballfreak.com
