Football News: Zinedine Zidane to Take Over Reigns of France Football Team After FIFA World Cup 2026 | Reports

26

French football great Zinedine Zidane is expected to become the next head coach of the France national football team after the FIFA World Cup 2026, according to reports in France. Zidane has reportedly agreed in principle to take over from current coach Didier Deschamps, who has led France to two straight World Cup finals, winning the 2018 title.

As a player, Zidane is one of the greatest in French football history. He helped France win the 1998 World Cup on home soil and finished as runner-up in 2006. He also won the Ballon d’Or in 1998, awarded to the best player in the world that year. The 2006 final is remembered for his red card in his last professional match.

After retiring in 2006, Zidane moved into coaching. He later became head coach of Real Madrid CF, the only senior team he has managed. He had two spells at the club, from 2016 to 2018 and from 2019 to 2021. During his time there, he won 11 major trophies, including three straight UEFA Champions League titles and two La Liga titles.

Zidane Record as Manager

Total matches managed: 320

Wins: 200

Draws: 70

Losses: 50

Win percentage: 62.5%

Major Titles Won (with Real Madrid CF)

La Liga (2):

2016–17

2019–20

Supercopa de España (2):

2017

2020

UEFA Champions League (3):

2015–16

2016–17

2017–18

UEFA Super Cup (2):

2016

2017

FIFA Club World Cup (2):

2016

2017

Total major trophies: 11

In total, Zidane managed 320 matches, winning 200 of them. His teams drew 70 times and lost 50, giving him a strong win percentage of 62.5. Although he has been linked with other jobs, including the United States national team, Zidane has often said that coaching France is a dream. Now, that dream seems close to becoming reality. From 1998 World Cup winner to France head coach in 2026 — the journey of Zinedine Zidane comes full circle.

Click here to read article