Emotional Zinedine Zidane achieves his ‘dream’ as he takes charge of the France team - AP News

What the report says

The Associated Press reports that Zinedine Zidane has been appointed coach of France’s national soccer team, replacing Didier Deschamps after the 2026 World Cup cycle. French Football Federation president Philippe Diallo announced the move Tuesday at the federation’s Paris headquarters, where Zidane appeared visibly emotional and described the role as the job he had been waiting for since leaving Real Madrid in 2021.

According to AP, Diallo said Zidane received a four-year contract and called the appointment a major moment for French soccer. Zidane said he had rejected club offers during his five years away from coaching because he wanted only the France post. He also praised Deschamps, who guided France to the 2018 World Cup title and stepped down after France’s recent semifinal loss to Spain.

Zidane, 54, is one of France’s defining soccer figures, having starred in the country’s 1998 World Cup triumph and later built a highly successful coaching résumé at Real Madrid. AP reported that he signaled France would have a different playing identity under him, emphasizing his attacking instincts and leadership experience from his days as a No. 10.

His first scheduled match in charge is away to Turkey in the Nations League on Sept. 25, followed by a game in Belgium three days later. French supporters are expected to see him lead the team at Stade de France on Oct. 2 against Italy, a fixture carrying added historical resonance because it comes 20 years after his red card in the 2006 World Cup final against Italy.