Deschamps's reign to conclude in 2026: France seeks a legendary successor

The future of the French national team's dugout is on the horizon, with the 2026 World Cup as a turning point. Didier Deschamps, the man who led France to World Cup glory in 2018, is preparing to step down, opening a range of possibilities and speculation about who will succeed him. And among all the names circulating, one resonates strongly, a name that evokes magic, history, and glory: Zinedine Zidane.

According to information from L'Equipe, a prestigious French sports outlet, Zinedine Zidane is positioned as the leading candidate to take the reins of the national team once the World Cup, to be held in the United States, Mexico, and Canada, concludes. This scenario presents a possible triumphant return for "Zizou," who since leaving Real Madrid in 2021 has remained away from the sidelines, but with his sights set on two main goals: returning to the White House (Real Madrid) or managing his country.

Deschamps' Legacy: A Very High Bar

The task of succeeding Didier Deschamps will not be easy. The coach has left an indelible mark on the French national team, not only for winning the 2018 World Cup, but also for the 2016 European Championship (runners-up) and the 2021 Nations League. Deschamps has established a pragmatic and effective style of play, based on defensive solidity and taking advantage of the individual talent of his players.

His successor will have to maintain the team's competitiveness, adapting to new generations and seeking new challenges. The bar is high, but the figure of Zidane, with his charisma and successful coaching career, generates great enthusiasm among French fans.

Zidane: A Track Record that Supports His Candidacy

Zinedine Zidane's name needs no introduction. As a player, he was an icon of world football, leaving an indelible mark on clubs like Juventus and Real Madrid, as well as being a key player in the French national team that won the 1998 World Cup and Euro 2000.

But his success was not limited to his playing days. As a coach, Zidane demonstrated his ability to manage squads full of stars and achieve historic results. At the helm of Real Madrid, he won three consecutive Champions League titles (2016, 2017, and 2018), as well as two La Liga titles, two European Super Cups, and two Club World Cups.

This impressive record supports his candidacy to manage the French national team. Zidane knows high-level football perfectly, knows how to motivate players, and has the necessary experience to face the challenges involved in managing a national team.

Zizou's Dream: Managing France

Beyond his successful stint at Real Madrid, Zidane's dream has always been to manage the French national team. He himself has stated this on several occasions, and the possibility of doing so after the 2026 World Cup presents a unique opportunity.

Managing his country represents a personal and professional challenge of great magnitude for Zidane. It would allow him to continue building his legacy in French football, now from the bench, and give back to the fans the joys that he himself gave them as a player.

The Other Candidates: A Range of Possibilities

While Zidane is emerging as the main candidate, he is not the only name being mentioned to succeed Deschamps. Other French coaches with experience and a track record could also be considered, although none with the same media weight and emotional connection with the fans as Zidane.

However, the information from L'Equipe, a highly credible media outlet in French sports, places Zidane as the undisputed favourite.

The Ideal Scenario: A Triumphant Return

The ideal scenario for French football would be a triumphant return of Zidane at the helm of the national team. His appointment would generate great anticipation and restore hope to a fan base that dreams of continuing to reap international successes.

The combination of the talent of young French players, led by figures like Kylian Mbappe, with Zidane's experience and leadership on the bench, could be explosive. France would have the opportunity to build a new winning cycle and continue to dominate world football.

The 2026 World Cup: A Turning Point

The 2026 World Cup is presented as a turning point for the French national team. It will be the end of an era, that of Deschamps, and the possible beginning of another, that of Zidane. A change of command that generates great anticipation and could mark the course of French football in the coming years.

The football world will be watching the events that unfold in the coming years. The possibility of seeing Zidane at the helm of the French national team is one more incentive to closely follow the road to the 2026 World Cup and the future of French football. "Zizou's" dream of managing his country could be closer than ever, and with it, the hope of an entire nation.