The football scene in France is heading toward a significant change after the 2026 World Cup. Didier Deschamps, the current national coach, has decided not to extend his contract, announcing that the World Cup in North America will mark the end of his successful tenure with the “Bleus.” Although the official handover is still a year and a half away, Zinedine Zidane has emerged as the favorite to take over the role.

Zidane, who marked an era as Real Madrid's coach with three consecutive Champions League titles, has not managed a team since leaving the Spanish club in May 2021. Despite receiving offers from major European clubs such as Bayern Munich and Manchester United, as well as renowned national teams like Brazil, the former footballer has consistently declined the proposals. His loyalty to the clubs where he built his legacy and his strong connection to the French national team have limited his options, leaving France and Real Madrid as his absolute priorities.

With the end of Deschamps’ cycle approaching, Zidane seems closer than ever to returning to the bench. Although he has not expressed any intention to nominate himself for the position, his name resonates strongly among fans and members of the French Football Federation. “Obviously, we all hope he will be the chosen one after the 2026 World Cup,” commented Christophe Dugarry, Zidane’s former teammate and 1998 World Cup champion. “It’s a personal wish I’ve had for a long time, and I hope it comes true,” he added.

Zidane’s possible arrival at the national team bench would be a historic event for French football. His legacy as a player and his success as a coach make him a natural choice to lead a new generation of footballers. However, the transition will not happen immediately, and both Zidane and the federation prefer to handle the process with caution, avoiding hasty decisions.

With a promising horizon and the possibility of a reunion between Zidane and the national team, French football could enter a new era of success. For now, we can only wait to see if this iconic return materializes after the 2026 World Cup.