France’s national team is set to part ways with Didier Deschamps after a painful 2-0 defeat to Spain in the 2026 World Cup semi-final, with Zinedine Zidane reportedly set to take over as his replacement.
The move would end a 14-year tenure for Deschamps, one that saw France reach three consecutive World Cup semi-finals.
Sports journalist Fabrizio Romano reported that the switch has effectively already been agreed upon.
“The verbal agreement has been in place for months as Zizou will replace Didier Deschamps, waiting for all formal steps,” Romano said.
ESPN had also reported in March that Zidane reached a verbal agreement with the French federation to become the national team’s next manager.
Zidane’s coaching career began at Real Madrid Castilla, the club’s B team, in 2014, before he took charge of the senior side in early 2016. He led Real Madrid to the La Liga title in 2017 and three consecutive Champions League titles, before surprisingly resigning days after the 2018 Champions League final.
Zidane has spoken openly for years about his ambition to lead the French national team.
“I want to be head coach of France, of course. I will be, I hope, one day,” he once said.
“When? It’s not up to me, but I want to come full circle with the France team. I knew this French team as a player, and it’s the most beautiful thing that’s ever happened to me.”
Zidane is reported to have turned down approaches from several top clubs in recent times to keep himself available for the France job.
“This is the pinnacle,” he said of what the role means to him. “And so, as I experienced that and today I am a coach, the France team is firmly rooted in my head.”
He also acknowledged the weight of the responsibility that comes with managing the national team, while making clear it remains his ultimate goal.
“When I say that I want to take the France team one day, I take responsibility for saying so. Today, a team is in place, with its goals. But if the opportunity comes next, then I’ll be there,” he said.
His break from coaching did not last long. Real Madrid brought him back in early 2019 for a second stint that ran for more than two years, during which he won another La Liga title before leaving the club in May 2021.
