Zinedine Zidane takes charge of the French national team for the first time on Friday in a UEFA Nations League match against Türkiye.

Zinedine Zidane will make his coaching debut for the French national team this Friday in a UEFA Nations League match against Türkiye at Kocaeli Stadium. Zidane, a former France midfielder, succeeded Didier Deschamps following the 2026 World Cup, ending Deschamps' 14-year tenure. The appointment follows months of preparation, with talks between Zidane and French football authorities reportedly beginning in February 2025.

Zidane's Approach and Squad Selection

During his first news conference in Paris, Zidane emphasized his long-standing desire to manage the national team, noting he had turned down other offers over the last several years. While he has signaled a degree of continuity from his predecessor's work, he has also expressed an intention to do things differently. For his first international break, Zidane has introduced new talent to the squad, with reports noting the inclusion of five to six uncapped players.

Focus on the Nations League Opener

Ahead of the match against Türkiye, Zidane praised the opposition, describing them as a strong team that deserved more than their first-round exit at the most recent World Cup. France midfielder Adrien Rabiot noted that the team's primary objective is to secure a victory to start the new era and ultimately finish at the top of their Nations League group. Rabiot added that while the overall system remains largely similar, the squad expects more attacking contributions from the full-backs under Zidane.