Zinedine Zidane is believed to be preparing for a return to the dugout after agreeing to takeover the French national team after the World Cup, according to reports. The France and Real Madrid legend has shunned replacement roles since leaving the Bernabeu in 2021 after his second stint in the dugout. Deschamps has held the role since 2012, and six years later became the third man to win the World Cup as both a player and a manager. But in January 2025, Deschamps announced that he would be stepping down after stewarding the national team in North America for the 2026 tournament. 'But one of my goals is to coach the French national team.

Source: Daily Mail February 21, 2026 19:02 UTC