New Delhi, 21 February (H.S.): Legendary French footballer Zinedine Zidane is set to assume the role of head coach for the France men's national football team following the FIFA World Cup 2026, according to local media reports. He has reportedly reached a verbal agreement with the French Football Federation to succeed current coach Didier Deschamps.

Under Deschamps' guidance, France reached consecutive World Cup finals, clinching the title in 2018. Zidane was the hero of France's 1998 World Cup-winning squad, though the team finished as runners-up in 2006—a final marred by his infamous red card, now etched in football history.

Zidane's coaching tenure boasts a stellar 62.5% win rate across 320 matches: 200 victories, 70 draws, and 50 defeats. At club level with Real Madrid, he orchestrated historic success, securing La Liga (2016–17, 2019–20), Supercopa de España (2017, 2020), UEFA Champions League (2015–16, 2016–17, 2017–18), UEFA Super Cup (2016, 2017), and FIFA Club World Cup (2016, 2017)—including an unprecedented three-peat Champions League triumph in his first stint.

Retiring from playing in 2006, Zidane entered coaching in 2010 as a Real Madrid advisor before ascending to head coach, delivering 11 major trophies across two spells from 2016–2018 and 2019–2021. Reports indicate he declined an offer to coach the United States national team. Anticipation builds for a new era for France post-2026 World Cup under his leadership.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar