End of the Deschamps Era as Zidane Emerges as Favorite to Lead France
On Saturday evening, Didier Deschamps brought the curtain down on one of the longest managerial tenures in the history of the French national team, stepping down as head coach of Les Bleus after France finished fourth at the 2026 FIFA World Cup. France suffered a 6–4 defeat to England in the third-place playoff just days after being eliminated by Spain in the semifinals.
The ending proved disappointing for the French manager, especially as many had regarded France among the leading favorites to reclaim the World Cup title, given the squad’s wealth of attacking talent and world-class stars. However, the team failed to meet expectations and exited the tournament without a trophy, bringing an end to a nearly 14-year era under Deschamps.
With that chapter now closed, attention has turned to the French Football Federation, which is expected to announce Zinedine Zidane as the new national team head coach in the coming days—a long-awaited appointment for French supporters.
Deschamps’ Legacy: Major Successes and Constant Criticism
Deschamps’ greatest achievement came in 2018 when he guided France to World Cup glory. He later led the team to the 2022 World Cup final, where they lost on penalties, before their 2026 campaign ended with a semifinal defeat to Spain.
During his tenure, the French manager won one World Cup title and also finished runner-up at UEFA Euro 2016, hosted in France. While some argue that Deschamps’ trophy haul did not fully reflect the extraordinary talent available to him—including Kylian Mbappé, Paul Pogba, Antoine Griezmann, and Ballon d’Or winners Ousmane Dembélé and Karim Benzema—others believe he successfully maintained the team’s stability and kept France consistently competitive in major international tournaments.
Regardless of differing opinions, whoever succeeds Deschamps will face a significant challenge. That is why Zinedine Zidane has emerged as the leading candidate—not only because of his legendary status as one of France’s greatest footballers, but also due to his remarkable managerial success with Real Madrid.
Although Deschamps and Zidane displayed contrasting styles on the pitch, both were central figures in France’s golden generation that won the 1998 FIFA World Cup and UEFA Euro 2000. Deschamps embodied the determined midfield leader, while Zidane served as the creative genius whose brilliance defined the team’s attacking identity.
What Could Zidane Bring?
France’s semifinal defeat to Spain highlighted several tactical shortcomings, as the Spanish side dominated midfield while France struggled to press effectively or create attacking solutions. Throughout the match, Deschamps was unable to alter the game’s momentum through tactical adjustments.
Throughout his years in charge, Deschamps frequently faced criticism for his cautious, defense-oriented philosophy. Among his most vocal critics was former teammate Christophe Dugarry, who argued that France lacked creativity in midfield.
Many observers expect Zidane to introduce a more adventurous attacking style, drawing on his experience as a player who consistently delivered on football’s biggest stages. He could hand greater responsibilities to technically gifted players such as Michael Olise and Rayan Cherki, while Ousmane Dembélé may be deployed in a more central role, similar to the one he has performed successfully with Paris Saint-Germain.
Could Benzema Return to the National Team?
The future of Karim Benzema is likely to become one of the biggest talking points should Zidane take charge. The two share a close relationship built during their successful years together at Real Madrid, where they won three consecutive UEFA Champions League titles between 2016 and 2018. Under Zidane’s guidance, Benzema developed into one of the world’s finest strikers.
Although the French forward is now 38 years old, Lionel Messi’s impressive performances at the current World Cup have reinforced the belief that experienced players can still make a decisive impact. This could strengthen the case for utilizing Benzema’s experience, particularly in a deeper creative role that allows him greater freedom in playmaking.
Benzema was absent from the French national team for nearly six years following the blackmail case involving former teammate Mathieu Valbuena, before returning for UEFA Euro 2020 (played in 2021), where he impressed. He also partnered with Mbappé to help France win the 2021 UEFA Nations League. However, his relationship with Deschamps deteriorated again after he was ruled out of the 2022 FIFA World Cup due to injury, with Benzema later questioning the circumstances surrounding his departure from the squad.
At the same time, questions remain regarding Zidane’s own readiness after being away from coaching since leaving Real Madrid in 2021. Nevertheless, his extended break may allow him to begin the role with a refreshed mindset, free from the pressures of day-to-day club management.
If Zidane is appointed as France’s head coach, his first match is expected to be an away fixture against Turkey in the UEFA Nations League on September 25, followed three days later by a meeting with Belgium. His first home game at the Stade de France would come on October 2 against Italy—a return filled with symbolism, as the last match he played for France at the iconic stadium was the 2006 FIFA World Cup Final against Italy, a game that remains deeply etched in the memories of French supporters despite its painful conclusion.
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Author: Counselor Faisal Al-Mutairi
Publication Date: July 19, 2026
Last Updated: July 2026
