Didier Deschamps is preparing to oversee the last fixture of his long spell as France head coach, bringing to a close a tenure that began in 2012. His departure has been expected, with the national team ready to move into a new chapter once the 2026 FIFA World Cup concludes.
The experienced manager would have hoped his farewell would come in the tournament final on Sunday. Instead, France’s defeat to Spain in the semi-finals means his final appearance on the bench will arrive in Saturday’s third-place play-off against England.
Zidane ready to take over
The succession plan has long been viewed as one of football’s most widely anticipated developments. Zinédine Zidane has been waiting for the opportunity and is now on the verge of officially becoming France’s next manager, according to RMC Sport.
The report states that all contractual documents have already been prepared, although the agreement has not yet been formally signed.
Official announcement expected after the World Cup
The French Football Federation intends to complete the process shortly after the World Cup reaches its conclusion. The aim is for Zidane’s contract to be signed by 21 July.
Once that step is completed, the former Real Madrid coach is expected to be unveiled as the new leader of the national team, marking the beginning of France’s next cycle.
New coaching structure planned
Zidane is also expected to introduce significant changes behind the scenes when he assumes the role.
His backroom team is anticipated to include around 25 staff members, a noticeably larger group than the one assembled under Deschamps. In addition, he wants the coaching structure to feature greater female representation.