A new era appears to be on the horizon for the French national team. According to transfer expert Fabrizio Romano, Zinedine Zidane has reached a verbal agreement with the French Football Federation (FFF) to become France’s next head coach following the conclusion of the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
The long-anticipated appointment would finally see one of football’s greatest legends take charge of Les Bleus, succeeding Didier Deschamps after more than a decade of remarkable success. While official paperwork has yet to be signed, Romano reports that both parties already have a clear verbal understanding, with the formal announcement expected after the World Cup concludes.
If confirmed, Zidane will begin one of the most anticipated managerial chapters in international football.
Fabrizio Romano Reveals Zidane’s Verbal Agreement
For years, Zinedine Zidane has been heavily linked with the France national team.
Now, Fabrizio Romano claims the move is finally set to happen.
According to Romano, the French Football Federation identified Zidane as its top priority months before the end of the 2026 World Cup. Both sides reportedly reached a verbal agreement roughly three months before the tournament concluded, ensuring a smooth transition once Didier Deschamps stepped down.
Romano stated that the situation is already clear.
The official contracts are expected to be signed only after France completes its World Cup campaign, making Zidane the next permanent manager of the national team.
Reports also suggest that Zidane has already started preparing behind the scenes by assembling his future coaching staff and outlining his plans for the squad.
Didier Deschamps’ Legendary Era Comes to an End
The coaching transition follows France’s 2-0 defeat to Spain in the 2026 World Cup semifinal on July 14.
France’s third-place playoff on July 19 is expected to mark Didier Deschamps’ final match in charge of Les Bleus.
His departure closes one of the most successful managerial periods in French football history.
Since taking over in 2012, Deschamps transformed France into one of the world’s most consistent international teams.
Among his greatest achievements were:
- Winning the 2018 FIFA World Cup.
- Lifting the UEFA Nations League trophy.
- Reaching the UEFA Euro 2016 Final.
- Advancing to the 2022 FIFA World Cup Final.
- Leading France through 186 matches with 122 victories.
Deschamps also joined an exclusive group of football icons by winning the World Cup both as a player and as a coach, alongside Mario Zagallo and Franz Beckenbauer.
His tactical discipline, defensive organization, and ability to deliver results in knockout football defined his remarkable tenure.
Why Zidane Was Always France’s Dream Choice
Ever since leaving Real Madrid in May 2021, Zidane has consistently been linked with the France national team.
Despite receiving offers from several elite clubs, he never rushed back into management.
Many believed he was waiting for exactly this opportunity.
Coaching France has long been considered Zidane’s ultimate ambition.
Taking charge of Les Bleus would also represent the first national team job of his coaching career.
The French Football Federation reportedly viewed Zidane as the ideal figure to continue building on Deschamps’ legacy while introducing fresh ideas for the next generation.
Zidane’s Incredible Coaching Resume
Although Zidane has never coached internationally, his achievements at club level speak for themselves.
During his two spells as Real Madrid manager between 2014 and 2021, he established himself as one of the most successful coaches of the modern era.
His trophy collection includes:
- Three consecutive UEFA Champions League titles.
- Two La Liga championships.
- Two FIFA Club World Cups.
- Two UEFA Super Cups.
- Two Spanish Super Cups.
Winning three Champions League trophies in a row remains one of the greatest accomplishments in football management.
Those achievements explain why expectations surrounding his France appointment are already extremely high.
Zlatan Ibrahimovic Backs Zidane
Support for Zidane’s expected appointment extends well beyond France.
Former striker Zlatan Ibrahimovic recently praised Zidane’s leadership qualities, highlighting his extraordinary success with Real Madrid.
According to Ibrahimovic, France needs more than a tactical coach.
He believes the national team requires a powerful leader capable of commanding respect from a squad filled with world-class stars.
Given Zidane’s legendary playing career and managerial success, few figures possess greater authority inside a dressing room.
The Challenges Waiting for Zidane
Taking over France will not be without pressure.
Deschamps leaves behind a highly competitive squad that consistently reached the latter stages of major tournaments.
Zidane’s first major decisions could include:
- Whether to maintain France’s more attacking style developed in recent years.
- Introducing his own tactical philosophy.
- Managing a dressing room full of elite personalities.
- Preparing the team for UEFA Euro 2028 qualification.
- Continuing France’s tradition of competing for every major trophy.
Balancing continuity with innovation will likely define the early stages of his tenure.
A Golden Generation Still in Its Prime
One of Zidane’s biggest advantages is the exceptional quality already available within the France squad.
Several world-class players are expected to remain central figures under the new manager, including:
- Kylian Mbappe
- Ousmane Dembele
- Aurelien Tchouameni
- William Saliba
- Desire Doue
- Bradley Barcola
- Michael Olise
With such a talented group, expectations will immediately shift toward winning future international tournaments.
Managing these stars while creating tactical balance will become one of Zidane’s primary responsibilities.
What Zidane Could Bring to France
Throughout his coaching career, Zidane has been praised for his calm leadership, excellent man-management, and ability to thrive under immense pressure.
Unlike coaches who rely heavily on rigid systems, Zidane often prioritizes player confidence, tactical flexibility, and intelligent game management.
Those qualities could prove invaluable at international level, where preparation time is limited and squad harmony often determines success.
His experience handling elite players at Real Madrid may also help maximize the potential of France’s current golden generation.
A New Chapter for Les Bleus
If Fabrizio Romano’s report proves accurate, France are preparing for one of the biggest managerial transitions in world football.
Didier Deschamps leaves behind a remarkable legacy built over 14 years, transforming Les Bleus into one of international football’s dominant forces.
Now, the responsibility appears ready to pass to another French legend.
With a verbal agreement reportedly already in place and official confirmation expected after the 2026 World Cup, Zinedine Zidane is edging closer to fulfilling what many have long considered his dream role.
The expectations will be enormous, but so too is Zidane’s reputation. If he can replicate even a fraction of his success at Real Madrid, the next chapter of French football could become every bit as memorable as the last.
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