Paris, July 17: France are set to usher in a new era after the FIFA World Cup 2026, with Zinedine Zidane widely expected to succeed Didier Deschamps as national team coach following the latter’s departure after 14 years in charge.
Deschamps will oversee his final match on Saturday when France face England in the World Cup third-place playoff, bringing the curtain down on one of the most successful managerial tenures in French football history.
The 57-year-old guided France to the 2018 FIFA World Cup title and the 2022 World Cup final, while also leading the team to the UEFA Euro 2016 final and the UEFA Nations League crown.
However, France’s 2-0 semi-final defeat to Spain ended hopes of another world title and intensified calls for change.Zidane, regarded as one of France’s greatest-ever footballers, is expected to be confirmed as Deschamps’ successor by the French Football Federation in the coming days.The former Real Madrid manager boasts an outstanding coaching record, having guided the Spanish giants to three consecutive UEFA Champions League titles between 2016 and 2018. His appointment is expected to bring a more attack-minded approach after France struggled creatively during their semi-final defeat to Spain.
Observers believe Zidane could reshape the team’s tactical identity by placing greater emphasis on creative midfielders such as Michael Olise or Rayan Cherki, while also giving Ousmane Dembele a more influential role in central areas.
Speculation has also emerged over whether Zidane could consider recalling veteran striker Karim Benzema, with whom he enjoyed tremendous success at Real Madrid.
Benzema, now 38, won the Ballon d’Or in 2022 but has not featured for France since the 2022 World Cup following his fallout with Deschamps.Should Zidane take charge, his first competitive assignment is expected to be France’s UEFA Nations League fixtures against Turkey and Belgium in September, before making his home debut against Italy in October. If appointed, Zidane will inherit a squad brimming with talent but under pressure to return to the top after another World Cup campaign that ended in disappointment. All eyes will now be on Zidane as France look to turn the page and begin a new chapter with one of the country’s greatest football icons at the helm. (AP)
