Zidane leads the list of candidates to succeed Deschamps as France coach

Coach Didier Deschamps concluded his tenure as head coach of the French national football team yesterday, after leading his country to a fourth-place finish at the 2026 World Cup, following a 4-6 defeat to England. This marked a new blow after their elimination from the World Cup semifinals by Spain.

Despite finishing fourth, this represents a disappointing end to Deschamps’ career, as many had tipped the French team, with its star-studded attacking lineup, to win the World Cup title again. It is widely expected that the French Football Federation will announce the appointment of Zinedine Zidane as the new head coach in the coming days.

Deschamps led France to World Cup glory in 2018, then lost the final on penalties in 2022, before being tactically outplayed by Spain in the semifinals of the 2026 edition last Tuesday. During his 14-year stint in charge, he won only one major trophy, albeit the most prestigious one, while also losing the European Championship final on home soil in 2016.

Regardless of perspective, Deschamps’ successor will face a difficult task. Possessing a personality of Zidane’s stature will be crucial; as one of France’s greatest ever players and a successful coach with Real Madrid, Zidane appears to be the ideal choice. Despite their completely different styles as players, Zidane and Deschamps have remained linked to the glories of French football.

What can Zidane change?

France’s 2-0 defeat to Spain in the semifinals was harsher than the scoreline suggested.

The Spanish team was clearly superior tactically, dominating the midfield, while the French side failed to press effectively. The attack appeared helpless, and Deschamps had no alternative plan to change the course of the match.

Zidane is likely to prefer a more attacking style, similar to the one he employed when he was a playmaker roaming the pitch. Players like Michael Olise or Rian Sharqi could be capable of fulfilling this role.

Karim Benzema is one of Zidane’s closest players, with their relationship strengthening during Zidane’s tenure as Real Madrid coach. The duo won three consecutive UEFA Champions League titles between 2016 and 2018. Benzema also evolved under Zidane’s guidance, becoming a more complete player and a more effective goalscorer. However, at 38 years old, his age may pose an obstacle to his return. Nevertheless, Lionel Messi’s outstanding performance at the current World Cup, despite being 39, may convince Zidane that Benzema, the 2022 Ballon d’Or winner, can still make a significant contribution, particularly if deployed in a deeper role that allows him to leverage his technical skills and playmaking ability.

The pressing question remains: Is Zidane ready for a task of this magnitude? He has been away from coaching since leaving Real Madrid for the second time in 2021. On the other hand, he will enter the role refreshed after several years away from the pressures of technical management and media scrutiny.

If Zidane (54) takes charge of the national team, his first match away from home will be against Turkey in the UEFA Nations League on September 25, followed by a clash with Belgium three days later. French fans will have to wait until October 2 to see Zidane for the first time at the Stade de France, when France hosts Italy.