Zidane Agrees to Coach France After 2026 World Cup

Zinedine Zidane has reached a verbal agreement to become the next head coach of the France national football team, succeeding Didier Deschamps after the 2026 World Cup in North America. The 53-year-old former Real Madrid manager, who has been out of work since leaving the Spanish club for a second time in 2021, is set to take over following the tournament's conclusion, marking his first role in international management.

The French Football Federation confirmed the transition plans through its president, Philippe Diallo, who in a recent interview with Le Figaro stated that the successor's identity is already decided. "Yes, I know who it is," Diallo said, without naming Zidane but describing the required profile as one that "ticks many boxes and which can also be the subject of support from the French people, since this French football team is the team of the French people." He added that the federation received fewer than five applications for the position, all from French candidates, emphasizing that the role demands someone capable of handling its unique pressures.

Deschamps, who has led Les Bleus for 14 years since 2012, will depart after guiding the team through the 2026...