Zinedine Zidane is expected to be confirmed as France’s new head coach next week, with the French Football Federation (FFF) announcing the date for a press conference that is set to end Didier Deschamps’ 14-year reign and return the national icon to the dugout after a five-year absence.
Zidane poised for long-awaited France job
In an official statement on Thursday, the FFF said its president, Philippe Diallo, will hold a press conference on Tuesday 28 July 2026 at 11:00 local time at the federation’s headquarters in Paris.
The federation said: “سيعقد رييس الاتحاد الفرنسي لكرة القدم فيليب ديالو موتمرا صحفيا يوم الثلاثاء 28 يوليو 2026، بداية من الساعة 11 صباحا، في مقر الاتحاد”، adding that the event will follow an extraordinary meeting of the FFF’s executive committee being held the same day, during which the new head coach of the national team will be presented to the media.
While the statement did not name Deschamps’ successor, multiple well-sourced French media reports say Zidane has already reached an agreement to take charge of “Les Bleus”, with only final details over his backroom staff still to be settled.
The announcement confirms the timeline first reported by local newspapers on Wednesday evening and effectively signals the end of Deschamps’ tenure without a formal farewell ceremony.
No official send-off for Deschamps
Deschamps, who led France to the 2018 World Cup title and the Euro 2016 and 2022 World Cup finals, leaves the national team after 14 years in charge. Instead of staging a tribute event for one of its most successful coaches, the FFF will move directly to unveiling his expected replacement.
The decision underlines the urgency and significance of the transition, with Zidane long viewed as the natural heir. The two were team-mates in France’s 1998 World Cup-winning side and Euro 2000 triumph, and speculation linking Zidane to the job has persisted for years.
Zidane has been out of management since leaving Real Madrid in June 2021, despite receiving a number of offers during that period. He is understood to have prioritised the France role and waited specifically for the opportunity to lead his country.
Special exemption from salary cap reforms
Reports in France say the 52-year-old will not be constrained by recent reforms to salary ceilings approved by the French parliament.
Despite the new rules, Zidane’s pay package will not be subject to those limits after he obtained a special exemption from the relevant government authorities, clearing the way for the FFF to offer terms commensurate with his status and profile.
Tough start: Turkey, Belgium and Italy await
Zidane will have little time to ease into the role. France face a demanding run of fixtures in the UEFA Nations League between September and November, beginning with a trip to Turkey on 25 September.
Les Bleus then travel to Belgium on 28 September before Zidane takes charge of his first home match at Stade de France against Italy on 2 October – a fixture laden with personal symbolism after his five seasons as a player with Juventus in Serie A.
The Italy game could carry added intrigue if reports prove correct that Deschamps is being considered for the Azzurri job following his departure from France.
France continue their Nations League campaign by hosting Belgium on 5 October, visiting Italy on 12 November and closing the group stage at home to Turkey on 15 November.
France fixtures under Zidane in UEFA Nations League
– Turkey v France 25 September
– Belgium v France 28 September
– France v Italy 2 October
– France v Belgium 5 October
– Italy v France 12 November
– France v Turkey 15 November
Zidane, a World Cup winner as a player and a three-time Champions League-winning coach with Real Madrid, now stands on the verge of the most scrutinised role in French football, tasked with building on Deschamps’ legacy while ushering in a new era for the national team.
