Zinedine Zidane has been confirmed as the new head coach of France, bringing one of football's most iconic figures back into the international game ahead of the FIFA World Cup 2026.

The appointment marks a landmark moment for French football, with Zidane — a World Cup winner as a player — now tasked with guiding Les Bleus from the dugout.

Zidane's legendary status in the game was cemented during the 2006 FIFA World Cup, where he produced a masterclass performance against Brazil in the quarter-finals, showcasing the vision, technique, and leadership that defined his playing career.

His return to the France setup has been long anticipated by supporters and pundits alike, with many believing his pedigree as a former Real Madrid manager makes him well suited to handling a squad of world-class players.

France will be among the leading contenders at the FIFA World Cup 2026, and Zidane's appointment signals the federation's ambition to challenge for football's greatest prize once more.