Zinedine Zidane waits as Deschamps faces bittersweet France exit

Zinedine Zidane is set to return as France manager as Didier Deschamps’ tenure ends on a bittersweet note after the 2026 World Cup. The federation confirmed Deschamps will step down after the tournament, clearing the path for Zidane to take charge for the first time since 2004.

What happened?

France bowed out of the 2026 World Cup on 15 July after a penalty shootout loss to England in the quarter-finals. Didier Deschamps, the 51-year-old manager, announced his departure hours after the 2-2 draw and 4-3 defeat on penalties. The French Football Federation (FFF) confirmed Deschamps’ exit in a statement released late on 15 July, ending a 12-year reign that included two World Cup finals and one title.

Why it matters for Zinedine Zidane

Zidane, 54, has been the FFF’s preferred candidate to replace Deschamps since the 2022 World Cup. His name resurfaced in French media after the tournament as the board’s top choice. Sources close to the FFF told *L’Équipe* on 16 July that Zidane met with federation officials to discuss terms. The job would mark his first return to the dugout since leaving Real Madrid in 2021.

And the timing couldn’t be trickier. France’s quarter-final exit exposed defensive frailties and a lack of cutting edge up front. Zidane’s Real Madrid side relied on defensive solidity and counter-attacking-traits Deschamps’ France often lacked in big games. The 2026 World Cup also saw France concede six goals in four matches, their worst defensive record in a major tournament since Euro 2016.

What comes next?

The FFF must finalize Zidane’s appointment within weeks to avoid a leadership vacuum. His first task would be reshaping a squad built around aging stars like Antoine Griezmann, 35, and Kylian Mbappé, 27. Zidane’s Real Madrid exit came amid tensions with the board over transfer policy-a sign he won’t tolerate interference if he takes the job.

But the pressure is immediate. France’s next major tournament is Euro 2028 on home soil. A poor start could derail Zidane’s return before it even begins. The FFF’s next board meeting is scheduled for 25 July, where a formal decision is expected.

The Zidane factor in French football

Zidane’s legacy in France is already untouchable. His volley in the 1998 World Cup final and two goals in the 2006 final cemented his status as a national hero. His managerial career includes three Champions League titles with Real Madrid, but his only club job in France was a brief stint at Cannes in 2014. Now, the FFF is betting he can replicate that success on the international stage-starting with Euro 2028.