Mansion Sports – The Zinedine Zidane era with the France national team is finally set to begin after years of speculation surrounding the future of the French football legend.

The French Football Federation (FFF) has confirmed that a major announcement will be made soon as part of the transition following the end of Didier Deschamps' tenure after a disappointing conclusion to the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

FFF Confirms the Date for the Introduction of the New Head Coach

In an official statement released on Thursday, the French Football Federation confirmed that a press conference will be held next Tuesday to officially introduce the new head coach of Les Bleus.

FFF President Philippe Diallo is scheduled to lead the event, bringing an end to the long-standing uncertainty surrounding the France national team's head coaching position.

Unless there is an extraordinary and highly unlikely change of decision, Zidane will be introduced as Didier Deschamps' successor.

The federation explained the details of the event through its official website, stating:

"French Football Federation President Philippe Diallo will hold a press conference on Tuesday, July 28, 2026, beginning at 11:00 a.m. at the FFF headquarters. Following the extraordinary meeting of the Executive Committee that will take place that morning, Philippe Diallo will introduce the new Head Coach of the France National Team to the media. The press conference will also be broadcast live on the FFF YouTube channel."

Zidane Ends a Five-Year Wait to Return to Coaching

Zidane has been away from coaching since concluding his second spell with Real Madrid in June 2021.

Although he was linked with several elite European clubs such as Paris Saint-Germain and Manchester United, the 1998 FIFA World Cup winner repeatedly rejected lucrative offers in order to keep the opportunity to coach the France national team alive.

Sources from RMC Sport stated that Zidane has already signed his new contract, although several technical details regarding his coaching staff are still being finalized ahead of the next international break.

Most importantly for the FFF, all financial issues related to Zidane's salary have now been resolved. Although recent reforms by the French parliament sought to introduce salary caps for certain positions in the sports sector, an exemption at the ministerial level has been granted for the national team head coach position.

As a result, the legendary coach will not be subject to the salary restrictions established under the new regulations.

A Difficult UEFA Nations League Debut Awaits Zidane

Zidane will not enjoy an easy adjustment period, as his tenure will immediately begin with a demanding international schedule from late September through early October.

France is scheduled to play a series of UEFA Nations League matches that will immediately test the tactical abilities of the former Real Madrid manager.

Zidane's debut is expected to take place on September 25 against Türkiye, before facing a difficult away match against Belgium three days later.

France will then host Italy on October 2 before facing Belgium once again on October 5.

The November schedule also offers little opportunity for rest, with a match against Italy scheduled for November 12 before concluding the group stage against Türkiye on November 15.

The End of Didier Deschamps' Era

Zidane's arrival will bring an end to Didier Deschamps' 14-year tenure as head coach of the France national team.

During his time in charge of Les Bleus, Deschamps led France to victory at the 2018 FIFA World Cup and won the 2020–2021 UEFA Nations League.

In addition, he guided France to the finals of UEFA Euro 2016 and the 2022 FIFA World Cup. Deschamps ultimately concluded his historic tenure as France's head coach by leading the team to a fourth-place finish at the 2026 FIFA World Cup.