The French Football Federation (FFF) has begun early internal discussions aimed at appointing Zinedine Zidane as head coach of the national team following the 2026 FIFA World Cup, according to L’Équipe.
While no formal decision has been taken, the report says senior figures within the federation are already mapping out a post-2026 transition plan, with Zidane identified as the preferred long-term successor. The move would signal a strategic shift rather than an immediate change, with the current coaching setup expected to remain in place through the next World Cup cycle.
Zidane, a World Cup winner with France in 1998 and one of the most decorated coaches in club football history, has long been linked with the national team role. Since leaving Real Madrid in 2021, where he won three consecutive UEFA Champions League titles, the former midfielder has remained without a coaching post, repeatedly fuelling speculation about a future return with Les Bleus.
The FFF has not publicly commented on the report, but Zidane’s stature within French football and his strong relationship with key decision-makers make him a natural candidate should the role become vacant after 2026.
Any potential appointment would depend on several factors, including France’s performance at the 2026 World Cup and the federation’s broader technical direction. For now, the discussions are understood to be exploratory, reflecting long-term planning rather than an imminent change.
Still, the renewed focus on Zidane underscores the federation’s desire to secure a high-profile, culturally resonant figure to lead France into the next phase of its international ambitions.
