Zinedine Zidane is reported to be set to take over as head coach of the France national team this summer, succeeding longtime manager Didier Deschamps, according to an Al Jazeera report. The move would mark a high-profile leadership change for one of world football’s powerhouse national sides.
What Happened
Al Jazeera reported on March 24, 2026, that Zinedine Zidane will succeed his former national side teammate Didier Deschamps as France head coach this summer. The brief report said the appointment is expected to occur in the coming months, replacing Deschamps in the top job for Les Bleus.
Background
Zinedine Zidane is one of the most celebrated figures in modern football. As a player he captained France and starred in the country’s successful late-1990s and early-2000s era. After retiring as a player, Zidane moved into coaching and achieved major success at club level, most notably as Real Madrid manager where he led the team to multiple UEFA Champions League titles.
Didier Deschamps has been manager of the France national team since 2012 and led the side to the 2018 FIFA World Cup title. His tenure has been one of the most consequential in recent French football history, encompassing a European Championship final appearance and continued presence among the game’s elite national sides.
Why It Matters
A change in leadership at the helm of the France national team carries wide implications for international football. France is a perennial contender in major tournaments and has a deep pool of players spread across Europe’s top leagues. A new coach often brings shifts in tactical approach, squad selection and player roles. That can influence how the team performs on the international stage and how France’s top talents are perceived in transfer markets.
For Panama and other countries in Latin America, the appointment is notable because France remains one of the global benchmark teams. Matches against France in friendlies, tournaments and potential future draws can be affected by a change in coach. Moreover, high-profile coaching appointments tend to generate attention across the football world and can influence broader conversations about coaching styles and player development.
For supporters and football administrators, the Zidane report raises questions about the transition from long-term stewardship under Deschamps to a new era under a manager renowned for his club achievements and status as a former French star. Observers will watch how Zidane adapts to the specific demands of international management, where preparation time and player availability differ from the club game.
Al Jazeera’s report is short on further specifics about timing, contract details or formal confirmation from the French Football Federation. If confirmed, the appointment would be a major storyline in the lead-up to the next cycle of international competitions and a focal point for discussions about the future direction of Les Bleus.