The Didier Deschamps era for the French national team is winding down, big time. After more than 14 years at the helm, Deschamps is set to manage his final match on Saturday in the 2026 World Cup third-place final, exactly as he announced before the tournament even kicked off. France is now officially staring down a brand new four-year cycle, and there's little doubt about who's taking the reins.
Zidane Steps Into a Massive Challenge
Get ready, because Zinedine Zidane is taking over the French national team. This isn't a surprise for those who've been watching, as the former Real Madrid coach has patiently waited years for this exact job, even being in contention back in 2022 before Deschamps decided to keep going. Zidane's last coaching stint was a legendary run at Real Madrid through the 2020-21 season, where he cemented himself as one of the most successful coaches ever, famously winning three Champions League trophies in a row from 2016 to 2018. The man knows how to win at the highest level, and he even won the 1998 World Cup *as a player* for France. His mission is clear: lead a new generation to another World Cup triumph after France, despite reaching two finals in eight years and a semifinal this year, arguably didn't maximize one of the most talented squads in international soccer, winning only one of the last three World Cups.A New Cycle Kicks Off With Immediate Stakes
Zidane's official appointment is expected shortly after the World Cup wraps, meaning we won't have to wait long to see him in action. His first matches in charge are set for September during the Nations League. Talk about jumping right into the fire! France will face Turkiye, Italy, and Belgium twice each in an expanded international window. That's an immediate opportunity for the new manager to show his authority and put his stamp on the team. Looking further ahead, Zidane's first full cycle will be centered on the 2030 World Cup, co-hosted by Morocco, Spain, and Portugal, which could even feature an expanded 64-team format. Before that, though, the 2028 UEFA European Championship across the United Kingdom and Ireland will be his first major chance to make a statement on the international stage. As for the squad itself, expect it to look pretty similar to this summer's, with only a handful of changes. So, get ready for September. Zidane's finally getting his shot, and with Nations League matches right around the corner, we're about to see what this new era of Les Bleus truly looks like.This article was created with AI assistance and reviewed by Seattle On Tap editorial staff. Always verify information with official team sources.