Zinedine Zidane is on the verge of returning to management, with the French Football Federation reportedly eyeing him as the successor to Didier Deschamps following the 2026 FIFA World Cup. According to Italian outlet Tuttomercatoweb, citing renowned transfer journalist Fabrizio Romano, Zidane has reached a verbal agreement to take over the national team once Deschamps’ current contract expires after the tournament. This development marks the first major managerial role for Zidane since he stepped down from his position at Real Madrid in 2021.
Zidane, 53, has spent the past few years carefully selecting his next move, with his name frequently linked to high-profile managerial openings across Europe. Despite ongoing speculation, Zidane has remained patient, seemingly waiting for an opportunity that aligns with both his personal aspirations and his legacy in the sport.
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The French national team job offers an ideal platform for Zidane. A two-time UEFA Champions League-winning coach with Real Madrid, Zidane’s extensive managerial experience and reputation within French football make him an obvious candidate to take the reins. Should the deal come to fruition, Zidane will inherit a squad brimming with talent, positioned for a smooth transition in the post-Deschamps era.
The timing of this potential move is key. With the 2026 World Cup representing a significant turning point for the French national team, the transition could allow for a seamless reset without disrupting the ongoing tournament campaign. The next phase will see an influx of new players pushing for inclusion, alongside the continued development of France’s existing talent pool.
Although the verbal agreement between Zidane and the French Football Federation is not legally binding, it signals that France is already planning for a future beyond Deschamps. If confirmed, Zidane would be in line to lead Les Bleus into the next World Cup cycle, shaping the team’s future direction.