Zidane confirmed as France head coach

The Zidane era has arrived

The appointment of Zinedine Zidane was confirmed on Tuesday, 28 July 2026, handing Les Bleus a manager who already ranks among the most decorated figures in French football.

Zidane arrives with an impressive legacy behind him, having won the 1998 World Cup as a player with France and later guided Real Madrid to three consecutive Champions League titles as manager.

He now takes charge as France enter a new era and look to rebuild following the 2026 World Cup.

It marks his return to management after stepping away from Real Madrid, and his first job in international football.

What Zidane brings to Les Bleus

The 53-year-old’s playing pedigree needs little introduction: his midfield masterclass against Brazil in the quarter-finals of the 2006 World Cup remains one of the tournament’s defining individual displays.

As a coach, his Real Madrid sides were built on man-management and big-game composure rather than rigid systems, qualities France will hope translate to the international stage as they navigate a period of managerial upheaval across the game.

The confirmation was reported by BBC Sport, ending speculation over who would lead France into the next cycle.

Attention now turns to Zidane’s first squad selection and the fixtures that will shape the early months of his tenure, with France among the favourites for every competition they enter.