Zidane Appointed as New France National Team Manager: First Match Against Turkey

The French Football Federation announced today that former French player Zinedine Zidane will be the new manager of the national team. Zidane's appointment comes two weeks after Didier Deschamps' tenure ended following France's fourth-place finish in the World Cup. Zidane signed a 4-year contract. Deschamps' last match in charge ended in a 6-4 loss to England. Legendary player and Ballon d'Or winner Zidane, 54, is expected to start his tenure with a match against Turkey in the UEFA Nations League before hosting Italy at Stade de France on October 2. The Turkey - France UEFA Nations League match is expected to be played at Kocaeli Stadium on 25.09.2026 at 21:45. Deschamps, who was in charge for 14 years and stepped down, led France to 185 matches and 120 wins, including the 2018 World Cup title, the 2020-21 Nations League cup, and the finals of Euro 2016 and the 2022 World Cup.