Key Takeaways:
- Zinédine Zidane is set to sign his contract to manage France next week, with the deal expected to be finalised by 21st July
- Didier Deschamps will oversee his final match as France manager in the third-place play-off against England on Saturday, following a semi-final defeat to Spain
- Zidane is anticipated to bring a significantly larger backroom team totalling 25 staff, with plans to introduce more female representation within his setup
Deschamps to Bow Out After Over a Decade in Charge
Didier Deschamps, who has led the France national team since 2012, is preparing for his final fixture at the helm. While he had ambitions to finish his tenure with a World Cup final on Sunday, France’s loss to Spain in the semi-finals has relegated them to a third-place play-off against England on Saturday. This match will mark the conclusion of Deschamps’ long and notable spell managing Les Bleus.
🚨🚨 L’ARRIVÉE DE ZINEDINE ZIDANE 🇫🇷 À LA TÊTE DES BLEUS DEVRAIT ÊTRE OFFICIALISÉE D’ICI JEUDI-VENDREDI PROCHAIN !!!! 🤩👔
Son contrat est PRÊT mais pas encore signé. La FFF voudrait que ce contrat soit signé avant le 21 juillet. ✍️
Zizou toucherait 300.000€ hors primes. Avec… pic.twitter.com/mEGu5jgHOT
— Actu Foot (@ActuFoot_) July 16, 2026
Zidane’s Appointment Edges Closer
The much-anticipated successor has been the subject of widespread speculation, with Zinédine Zidane reportedly ready to assume leadership of the national side. RMC Sport reports that Zidane’s contract is prepared and awaiting signature, with the French Football Federation (FFF) aiming to finalise the appointment by 21st July. The formal unveiling of Zidane as manager is expected to take place shortly after the conclusion of the World Cup.
New-Era Staff Structure for French Squad
In a notable shift from previous arrangements, Zidane intends to introduce a backroom staff of 25, significantly more than Deschamps’ team size. Additionally, the incoming manager is looking to enhance gender diversity within his staff, seeking greater female representation in key roles as part of the transition.
