Zidane Set to Replace Deschamps as France Coach

Didier Deschamps is set to manage France for the final time on Saturday during the FIFA World Cup third-place playoff against England in Miami, marking the end of his 14-year tenure with Les Bleus. Under Deschamps, France won the World Cup in 2018 and reached the final in 2022, where they lost to Argentina in a penalty shootout.

His tactical decisions faced criticism during the semi-final loss to Spain. The French Football Federation is anticipated to announce Zinedine Zidane as Deschamps' successor within the next 48 hours.

Zidane, a three-time UEFA Champions League winner with Real Madrid, is favored to implement a more attacking strategy, potentially featuring talents such as Crystal Palace’s Michael Olise, Lyon’s Rayan Cherki, and Barcelona’s Ousmane Dembele. There is also discussion about recalling Ballon d’Or winner Karim Benzema, despite past conflicts with Deschamps.

Zidane's first matches as France's head coach are expected to be in September against Turkey and Belgium in the UEFA Nations League.