Zinedine Zidane Named France Head Coach on Four-Year Deal

Zinedine Zidane has officially been named head coach of the France national football team. The French Football Federation confirmed his appointment on Tuesday at their Paris headquarters. He signs a four-year contract that runs through the 2030 World Cup.

Zidane succeeds Didier Deschamps, who steps down after 14 years in charge. Deschamps led France to the 2018 World Cup title, the 2022 final, and the 2026 semi-final. His tenure ended after a fourth-place finish at the 2026 World Cup.

Zidane takes over the role officially on 1 August. He said he turned down several club offers over the past four to five years while waiting for this job. He also revealed he had rejected interest from other national teams, holding out only for France.

His first match in charge comes away to Turkey in the Nations League on 25 September 2026. His home debut follows against Italy on 2 October, exactly 20 years after his infamous red card in the 2006 World Cup final. Zidane's playing career with France included the 1998 World Cup title and the Euro 2000 crown, with 31 goals in 108 appearances.

As a coach, Zidane won three consecutive Champions League titles with Real Madrid between 2016 and 2018, along with two LaLiga titles. He has been out of management since leaving Real Madrid in 2021.