France Eye Zinedine Zidane as Post-2026 Coach

A shift on the French touchline may be coming, but those involved are keeping their cards close. Conversations around the national team’s future are under way, yet no final decisions appear imminent.

Reports suggest that the French Football Federation is mapping out its long-term plans, though the immediate focus remains firmly on the 2026 World Cup.

Zidane in the frame

Zinedine Zidane is widely viewed as the leading candidate to take charge once the tournament is over, according to ongoing coverage from European sports outlets. His name continues to dominate discussions about the next era of the French men’s team.

Despite strong interest around him, nothing has been agreed. Zidane is said to be waiting out of respect for current head coach Didier Deschamps, who is expected to remain in the role until his contract runs its course at the end of July.

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Federation’s priorities

For now, officials at the French Football Federation are concentrating on World Cup preparations. Internal planning and staffing debates are understood to revolve around ensuring stability heading into 2026.

Even so, Zidane is still considered the favorite for what comes next, with expectations that succession talks will accelerate later in the summer once Deschamps’ tenure formally concludes.

Next chapter ahead

The transition is widely anticipated but not yet underway. Those close to the situation maintain that the timeline hinges on the World Cup cycle and Deschamps’ departure.

What follows could mark a new phase for the national side, with Zidane positioned as the leading option to steer the team into its next chapter.

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