Discussions have begun on securing the World Cup winner to lead Les Bleus after the 2026 tournament.
Paris region, January 2026.
French football authorities are advancing talks aimed at bringing legendary midfielder and manager Zinedine Zidane into the role of head coach of the France national team once the current coach steps down after the 2026 FIFA World Cup. The initiative reflects the high regard in which Zidane is held in French football and the desire of the Federation to usher in a new chapter for Les Bleus following the global showpiece.
Zidane, 53, has not held a day-to-day coaching position since leaving Real Madrid, where he led the club to multiple European and domestic titles. His name has long been mentioned in speculation about future coaching roles, particularly within the French Football Federation, and recent reports indicate that preliminary conversations have begun between Zidane’s representatives and federation officials.
The current manager, Didier Deschamps, has confirmed that he will step down after directing France at the 2026 World Cup, closing an era in which he guided the team to international success. With that transition in sight, the federation’s leadership is reported to have initiated dialogue with Zidane about taking on the position once Deschamps’ tenure concludes. The talks are described as discreet and ongoing, with no formal appointment yet announced.
According to informed sources, discussions have covered a range of considerations, including the recruitment of a new technical staff and the organisational structure for the future team setup. While Zidane remains a popular candidate among fans and commentators, the federation has not issued any official confirmation of his appointment, and both sides are said to be approaching negotiations carefully out of respect for the complexity of the role and the timing of the World Cup.
Zidane’s potential move into the national team job would resonate deeply with French football supporters, as he remains one of the most celebrated figures in the country’s sporting history. His playing career peaked with France’s triumph at the 1998 FIFA World Cup and the European Championship in 2000, and his managerial success in club football reinforced his reputation as a leader capable of managing elite talent under pressure.
In recent months, speculation about Zidane’s future intensified as France’s football authorities prepared for a post-World Cup transition. However, officials have maintained that no official announcement is imminent and that preparations for the upcoming tournament remain the priority. If Zidane does assume the role, he would inherit a squad rich with talent, including players who have shaped international football in recent years. The transition from one historic leader to another would be symbolic as well as strategic, signalling continuity of ambition for a nation with deep footballing tradition.
Phoenix24: clarity in the grey zone.
Phoenix24: claridad en la zona gris.