Zinedine Zidane Set to Become France’s Next Manager After Deschamps’ Tenure
Philippe Diallo, president of the French Football Federation (FFF), has confirmed that a successor to Didier Deschamps as the manager of the French national team has been identified, with Zinedine Zidane widely expected to capture the helm after the 2026 World Cup.
Succession Plan in Place
Diallo revealed to Le Figaro that he knows the identity of Deschamps’ replacement, but refrained from disclosing the name publicly . He indicated the announcement will come after France’s participation in the 2026 World Cup concludes. This confirmation follows previous statements that no announcement would be made before the tournament’s end.
Zidane as Frontrunner
Zinedine Zidane is the leading candidate to succeed Deschamps, who will depart after a 14-year tenure. L’Équipe has reported that the FFF has already begun preparations to assemble Zidane’s backroom staff. Zidane has been out of management since leaving Real Madrid in 2021 and has reportedly turned down offers from other clubs while awaiting the opportunity to manage Les Bleus.
Diallo’s Criteria for the Role
Diallo emphasized the need for a manager who possesses a strong profile and can garner support from the French public. He highlighted the importance of a connection between the coach and the French people, a quality Deschamps successfully established during his 14-year leadership. The FFF received fewer than five applications, all from French candidates, for the position.
Upcoming Matches and World Cup Preparations
Deschamps and the French team will play friendly matches against Brazil on March 26 at Gillette Stadium in Foxborough, Massachusetts and against Colombia on March 29 at Northwest Stadium in Landover, Maryland. Additional friendlies are scheduled in France on June 4 against Ivory Coast in Nantes and on June 8 against an opponent yet to be determined in Lille. Deschamps is expected to announce the France squad for the 2026 World Cup on May 13 on TF1. France will face Senegal in the group stage on June 16 in East Rutherford, a country from the intercontinental play-offs on June 22 in Philadelphia, and Norway on June 26 in Foxborough.