French Football Federation (FFF) president Philippe Diallo has confirmed that France has already chosen its next national team coach, hinting that a change in leadership will take place following Didier Deschamps’ retirement, which is scheduled to take place after the 2026 World Cup.
Diallo revealed in an interview with newspaper Le Figaro that the federation had finalized a succession plan behind the scenes, allowing Deschamps to focus fully on the next tournament.
Asked if a successor had been chosen, Diallo said: “Yes, I know his name,” adding that discussions had taken place with candidates to ensure a smooth handover at the end of the current cycle.
Although FFF has not officially announced the appointment, there are widespread reports that former France star and Real Madrid manager Zinedine Zidane is expected to take his place.
Zidane is expected to be his successor
Zidane has not been a manager since leaving Real Madrid in 2021, and has long been seen as the frontrunner to take over. According to Le Parisien newspaper, the 1998 World Cup winners have already reached a verbal agreement with the federation.
Mr. Diallo outlined strict criteria for the position, emphasizing the need for someone who can handle intense state scrutiny while maintaining broad public support.
You will need a profile that meets a number of criteria and is supported by the French public.
Diallo noted that less than five candidates were considered, all of them French.
Zidane’s status as a national icon and success at club level made him the natural successor throughout the selection process.
The Deschamps era will end after 2026
Deschamps, one of international football’s most successful managers, previously admitted the 2026 World Cup would mark the end of his tenure.
Since taking over in 2012, he has led France to World Cup glory in 2018 and reached the final again in 2022, ushering in one of the most consistent eras in the national team’s history.
The next manager has already been named and the federation appears to be focused on maintaining continuity while preparing for a new chapter after the tournament.
With this announcement, the conversation surrounding Les Bleus has shifted from speculation about a successor to expectations as to when the transition will officially begin.
