Zinedine Zidane Poised to Lead France National Team After 2026 World Cup
French football icon Zinedine Zidane is on the brink of a historic return to the sport, with reports indicating he will become the next manager of the France national team. The former Real Madrid coach, who has been away from management since 2021, is set to succeed his former teammate Didier Deschamps following the conclusion of the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
Verbal Agreement Reached for Post-World Cup Transition
According to renowned transfer expert Fabrizio Romano, a verbal agreement has already been established for Zidane to take over the reins of Les Bleus. The transition is scheduled to occur immediately after the 2026 World Cup, which will be hosted across the United States, Canada, and Mexico. Deschamps, who has led France to significant success including a World Cup victory in 2018, is widely expected to guide the team through one final tournament before passing the baton.
Zidane has reportedly declined multiple offers from top European clubs, including a potential return to Real Madrid, to pursue his long-standing ambition of managing the French national team. The 1998 Ballon d'Or winner and World Cup champion has maintained a patient approach, waiting over five years for this opportunity since his resignation from Los Blancos.
Fan Reactions and Social Media Buzz
Football enthusiasts have expressed widespread excitement about Zidane's impending appointment, flooding social media platforms with celebratory messages. Many fans see this as a natural evolution for French football, with one supporter noting that "the king finally returning to his throne to guide the future of French football" represents a cinematic moment for the sport.
Another fan highlighted the symbolic significance of Zidane transitioning from leading France on the pitch to guiding them from the touchline, describing it as "the masterpiece finally being completed." The prospect of Zidane working alongside star forward Kylian Mbappé has generated particular enthusiasm, with supporters anticipating a new era of success for Les Bleus.
Zidane's Coaching Credentials and Recent Activities
During his tenure at Real Madrid, Zidane established himself as one of football's most successful managers, winning two La Liga titles, three UEFA Champions League trophies, two UEFA Super Cups, and two FIFA Club World Cups over five seasons. Since leaving Madrid in 2021, the 53-year-old has been linked with several high-profile clubs including Juventus, Manchester United, and Olympique Marseille, but has remained selective about his next move.
Recently, Zidane was present at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations, where he supported his son Luca Zidane. Reports suggest that Luca opted to represent Algeria internationally after not receiving an invitation from the current French setup, despite his father's legendary status in French football.
France's World Cup Group and Future Prospects
As Deschamps prepares for his final tournament in charge, France has been drawn in a challenging World Cup group alongside Senegal, Norway, and the winner of an intercontinental playoff between Bolivia, Iraq, or Suriname. The team's performance in this competition will set the stage for Zidane's eventual takeover.
Zidane has previously expressed confidence in Kylian Mbappé's potential for success following the forward's transfer to Real Madrid, attending his compatriot's unveiling and predicting he would "make history" at his new club. This existing relationship with key players is expected to facilitate a smooth transition when Zidane assumes control of the national team.
The appointment marks a significant moment in French football history, bringing together one of the nation's most celebrated players and successful managers to lead the next generation of talent. With Zidane's tactical acumen and deep understanding of French football culture, expectations will be high as he prepares to write the next chapter in Les Bleus' storied history.
