Zinédine Zidane is the leading candidate to replace Didier Deschamps as France manager

Zinédine Zidane is the top candidate to replace Didier Deschamps as France manager after the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

Zidane, a former Real Madrid manager, has been a free agent since 2021 and has expressed his desire to coach France. He reportedly never wanted to force Deschamps out, but now that Deschamps has announced his departure, Zidane is the clear favorite.

The French FA believes appointing Zidane would boost the team's popularity, and with no other obvious candidates, it seems likely that Zidane will take the reins.