Zinedine Zidane Set to Succeed Didier Deschamps as France National Team Coach

France's 2-0 loss to Spain in the 2026 World Cup semifinal marked the end of Didier Deschamps' 14-year tenure as head coach of the French national team. Deschamps, who had announced this tournament would be his last, leaves behind a legacy highlighted by winning the 2018 World Cup and reaching the 2022 final, though his pragmatic and defensive style faced increasing criticism.

Following the defeat, the French Football Federation has already identified Zinedine Zidane as Deschamps' successor. According to reports from Le Parisien, Zidane has reached a verbal agreement with federation president Philippe Diallo and is patiently awaiting the official handover after France's third-place match on July 19. Zidane, who left Real Madrid in 2021, has declined offers from major clubs like Bayern Munich and Manchester United, aiming to take over the national team at the right moment.

Zidane is seen by French fans as a transformative figure who could revive the team's attacking style, leveraging the talents of players like Kylian Mbappé. Thierry Henry, once considered a potential candidate, has publicly acknowledged Zidane as the inevitable next coach and expressed his support. The federation plans a smooth transition to maintain stability while injecting fresh energy into the squad, hoping Zidane's leadership will bring future tournament success back to France.