It is assumed that Zinédine Zidane will be named France manager in 2026. As he confirmed back in January, Didier Deschamps will step away from the France job following the 2026 FIFA World Cup. 

It has been thought that Zidane, who has not managed since leaving Real Madrid back in 2021, is holding out for the France job. The former Real Madrid and Juventus playmaker has been the subject of numerous approaches, all of which he has rejected.

With Deschamps stepping down, it is thought that his time has finally come, and there is just an assumption that he will take the reins next summer. However, speaking in an interview with L’Équipe, FFF president Philippe Diallo has dismissed the notion of “false suspense” and cast doubt on Zidane’s appointment as manager of Les Bleus. 

“Lots of things can happen and not things that people would maybe expect,” said Diallo. He added, “I have already said it, I have a lot of admiration and respect for Zidane, both for what he has done for French football, as well as for what he has shown as a manager, by winning trophies. But everything has its time. For now, we are preparing for the World Cup.”

The FFF president also added that the announcement of Deschamps’ successor could come before the World Cup, rather than after, as had been assumed.