Zidane poised for French national team role after 2026

PARIS: Zinedine Zidane is all set to take over as head coach of the French national team after the 2026 World Cup. 

The former star midfielder has said he is ready and excited for the role, calling it a “dream” job.

Zidane, who is 52, was speaking at an event on Monday organised by his long-time sponsors Adidas, French media reported.

"I feel qualified for the French team, where I played and spent practically 12, 13, 14 years as a player. Of course it’s a dream. I can’t wait," said Zidane, a former captain of Les Bleus and the scorer of two goals as they won the 1998 World Cup final.

His midfield partner in that match and in France’s Euro 2000 triumph was Didier Deschamps, who has been in charge of the French side since 2012.

Deschamps led Les Bleus to the World Cup in 2018 but has announced that he will end his reign after the 2026 World Cup in the US, Canada and Mexico.

As a coach, Zidane took Real Madrid to three Champions League triumphs and two Liga titles but has not taken a coaching job since ending his second spell at Real in 2021.