Zinedine Zidane takes over France after Deschamps exits
What's next: Zidane's first competitive match in charge is a Nations League trip to Turkey on Sept. 25.
Zinedine Zidane has taken over as head coach of France, succeeding Didier Deschamps after the team's semifinal exit to Spain at the 2026 World Cup. The French Football Federation confirmed the move Tuesday, putting the former Real Madrid manager in charge through the 2030 World Cup qualifying cycle. Zidane, 54, won the 1998 World Cup as a France player and has been out of management since leaving Madrid in 2021. Deschamps ended a 14-year run in which he led France to the 2018 World Cup title and three major finals. Zidane said managing the national team was his top goal and that he had turned down club offers while waiting for the role. His first competitive game will be away to Turkey in the Nations League on Sept. 25.