Zidane Set to Replace Deschamps as France Head Coach After 2026 FWC Exit

Zinedine Zidane is set to become the new head coach of the France national team following the end of Didier Deschamps' 15-year reign, according to transfer expert Fabrizio Romano.

The managerial change comes after France's 2-0 defeat to Spain in the 2026 FIFA World Cup semifinals, ending Les Bleus' hopes of reaching the final.

Deschamps will take charge of France for the final time in the third-place playoff, where his side will face the loser of the other semifinal between England and Argentina.

Romano reported that the French Football Federation has reached an agreement with Zidane to succeed Deschamps after the tournament.

Deschamps, who has managed France since 2012, guided the national team to 2018 FIFA World Cup glory and established one of the most successful eras in the country's football history.

Meanwhile, Zidane has been out of management since leaving Real Madrid in June 2021 after his second spell in charge. During his two stints at the Spanish club, the French legend won 11 major trophies, including three consecutive UEFA Champions League titles.

Despite receiving multiple coaching offers over the past five years, Zidane had repeatedly turned them down while waiting for the opportunity to take charge of the French national team.