Didier Deschamps Names Zidane as 'Natural' Successor for France Coach Role

Deschamps confirms departure after 2026 World Cup, with Zidane emerging as the leading candidate to take over.

Didier Deschamps, coach of the French national football team since 2012, will step down after the 2026 World Cup, ending a 14-year tenure.
Deschamps described Zinédine Zidane as a 'natural' and 'expected' candidate to succeed him, though Zidane's interest in the role remains unconfirmed.
Zidane, a former French football legend and successful Real Madrid coach, is widely regarded as the frontrunner for the position.
Kylian Mbappé, despite recent challenges including a difficult transition to Real Madrid, is confirmed to return to the national team in March and will likely remain captain.
The French team, under Deschamps, is preparing for key matches in March, including a Nations League clash with Croatia and World Cup qualification games.