France is preparing to appoint Zinedine Zidane as its new head coach following the successful tenure of Didier Deschamps.

The French Football Federation is anticipated to formally announce Zidane’s appointment this month, having made preparations for the transition well ahead of schedule.

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The 54-year-old has already finalised his coaching staff and is expected to complete the necessary paperwork before taking charge of the national team.

Zidane will inherit a squad filled with talent and is expected to lead France into the upcoming UEFA Nations League campaign, aiming for success at Euro 2028 and the 2030 World Cup.

Deschamps will oversee his final match as France’s manager this weekend when Les Bleus face England in the 2026 World Cup third-place play-off, before officially handing the reins to Zidane.

The outgoing coach leaves behind an impressive legacy, having led France to World Cup victory in 2018, the UEFA Nations League title in 2021, and another World Cup final in 2022, while consistently maintaining his team among the elite in international football.

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However, France’s failure to reach another World Cup final led the federation to implement a long-considered succession plan centered on Zidane.

The former France captain has been linked with the role since leaving Real Madrid in 2021, and he is now poised to make his long-anticipated return to coaching.

Zidane has not managed since his second term at Santiago Bernabeu, but his record in Spain stands as one of the best in modern football.

Across two spells, he secured three consecutive Champions League titles, two La Liga championships, two UEFA Super Cups, and two FIFA Club World Cups, establishing his reputation as one of the game’s elite coaches.

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As a player, Zidane holds legendary status in French football, having led his country to the 1998 World Cup and the Euro 2000 titles. His performances during these victories secured his place among the greatest players of his generation, and he also won the Ballon d’Or in 1998.

Attention will now shift to how Zidane develops a squad featuring established talents like Kylian Mbappe, Aurelien Tchouameni, Eduardo Camavinga, Ousmane Dembelé, William Saliba, and Michael Olise.

Many anticipate the former Real Madrid boss will implement a more expansive and possession-oriented style, especially after France faced criticism for their lack of attacking fluency during the latter stages of the World Cup.

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His first competitive matches are expected to take place in the Nations League later this year.

For France, this appointment signifies the start of a new chapter under one of the country’s most celebrated football icons, with rising expectations ahead of upcoming major tournaments.