Zinedine Zidane Appointed France Coach on 4-Year Deal After 6-4 England Loss

Zinedine Zidane has signed a four-year contract to lead France following the team's 6-4 defeat to England in the World Cup third-place playoff.

Zinedine Zidane has been appointed as the new head coach of the France national team, succeeding Didier Deschamps. The announcement, made by French Football Federation (FFF) president Philippe Diallo at the organization's Paris headquarters on Tuesday, July 28, 2026, confirms Zidane has signed a four-year contract. This transition follows a summer World Cup campaign where France was eliminated 2-0 by Spain in the semifinals and subsequently lost 6-4 to England in the third-place playoff.

Zidane, 54, takes the helm after a five-year absence from management, having resigned from his post at Real Madrid in May 2021. During his tenure in Spain, he secured three consecutive Champions League titles between 2016 and 2018 and two LaLiga trophies. The former No. 10 revealed he rejected multiple club offers during his hiatus to wait for the national team vacancy, stating that leading Les Bleus was the only role he desired.

Nations League Debut and Euro 2028 Qualifying

The new manager’s first competitive test begins on September 25 against Türkiye in the UEFA Nations League. France is drawn into a group featuring Türkiye, Belgium, and Italy. These autumn fixtures serve as the lead-up to the qualifying campaign for Euro 2028, which is scheduled to commence next year. Zidane expressed that his motivation stems from the game itself and his desire to transition from a leader on the pitch to a leader by experience.

Diallo disclosed that initial discussions with Zidane took place in February 2025. These talks were initiated after Deschamps indicated he would step down following the 2026 World Cup. Deschamps concluded a 14-year tenure that began in 2012, a period highlighted by a 2018 World Cup victory and final appearances at Euro 2016 and the 2022 World Cup. Zidane publicly congratulated his former teammate for these remarkable years during his introductory press conference.

A Legacy of International Success

Zidane returns to the federation where he earned status as one of the game's most decorated players. He famously scored two goals in the 1998 World Cup final to defeat Brazil in Paris and was a central figure in the Euro 2000 winning squad. His individual accolades include the Ballon d'Or and being named FIFA World Player of the Year on three occasions.

His playing career concluded in 2006, a year he was named Player of the Tournament as France reached another World Cup final. That tournament ended with his dismissal for headbutting Italy’s Marco Materazzi. Now, two decades after his retirement as a player, Zidane assumes control of the senior squad with the goal of returning the team to winning ways following their recent fourth-place finish.

FFF Leadership and Contract Objectives

Philippe Diallo described the appointment as an exceptional moment, noting that Zidane has long dreamed of taking charge of the national selection. The four-year agreement ensures Zidane will oversee the team through the next major tournament cycle. The FFF president emphasized Zidane's status as a legend of French soccer during the presentation. Zidane noted that he is ready for the challenge and intends to give everything to ensure the team achieves future victories.