Now an open secret: Zinedine Zidane to become French National team head coach after FIFA World Cup 2026
The "Zizou" era is set to begin for the French men's national team, with Zinedine Zidane reportedly reaching a verbal agreement with the French Football Federation (FFF) to succeed Didier Deschamps.
Last Updated: 08.17 PM, Mar 23, 2026
The long-awaited "Zizou" era for the French men's national team is finally on the horizon. Multiple reports, including insights from ESPN’s Julien Laurens, suggest that Zinedine Zidane has reached a verbal agreement with the French Football Federation (FFF) to succeed Didier Deschamps. While Deschamps will remain the head coach for the upcoming FIFA World Cup 2026 in North America and Mexico, the future plan of Zidane joining the team is now an open secret in the French football circuit.
When will Zidane join as head coach?
As per the recent news, Zidane will not disrupt the current cycle. He is said to be officially appointed as the Head Coach of the French Men's National Team only after the end of FIFA World Cup 2026.
FFF President Philippe Diallo recently indicated at the move in an interview with Le Figaro, saying he already knows who will succeed Deschamps but will wait until after the tournament to make it official to assure "stability and respect" for Didier Deschamps.
There are also reports that suggest that Zidane, the former Real Madrid head coach, has already begun finalising his technical team, which is expected to be led by his long-time assistant David Bettoni.
The end of the Deschamps era
Didier Deschamps has been the architect of France's modern authority, leading them since 2012.
However, after 14 years, a FIFA World Cup title (2018), and a Nations League trophy (2021), it is understood that the FIFA World Cup 2026 tournament will be his final show.
Zidane has famously turned down multiple high-profile club jobs, including rumors of Manchester United, Juventus, and PSG over the last few years, waiting specifically for the French national team job.