​What to know about Zinedine Zidane replacing Didier Deschamps as France’s manager following 2026 World Cup originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.France entered the World Cup semifinals as the favorite to lift the trophy, but hopes of a second title in three tournaments were dashed by Spain on Tuesday.AdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisementThere is no doubt France is confident it can keep contending on the world stage for years to come, but it will have to do so under new leadership.Manager Didier Deschamps isn’t returning after this World Cup, ending a 14-year tenure that saw France reach three consecutive World Cup semifinals.Here’s what you need to know about Deschamps’ exit and France’s next manager.MORE:World Cup prize money breakdownESPN reported in March that former France star Zinedine Zidane will be the national team’s next manager after reaching a verbal agreement.AdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisementZidane hasn’t officially been announced as Deschamps’ successor, but there is no indication the reported agreement between the two sides has hit any snags.”The last detail to iron out before he can sign his contract is over his staff and how big his team can be,” ESPN’s Julien Laurens reported in March, confirming that the deal might not be done quiet yet.Here’s more to know about Zidane.MORE:Why Spain received penalty kick vs. FranceThe 53-year-old Zidane has long been considered the likely successor to Deschamps after spending part of his international career playing alongside Deschamps and winning the 1998 World Cup together.AdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisementZidane is considered royalty in French soccer, having won three FIFA Player of the Year honors and the Ballon d’Or in 1998. Zidane scored 31 international goals for France over a 12-year run with the national team, including two goals in the 1998 World Cup final.As a club player, Zidane spent time with Juventus and Real Madrid after starting his senior career with Cannes and Bordeaux. He scored 37 goals across 155 appearances with Real Madrid.After his playing days, Zidane jumped into the world of managing. Here’s a closer look at Zidane’s coaching career.MORE: Inside Spain’s run of 36 matches without a regulation lossZidane became the manager of Real Madrid Castilla, Real Madrid’s B team, in 2014, before taking over Real Madrid in the early days of 2016. Real Madrid won La Liga in 2017 and captured three consecutive Champions League titles under Zidane, but he resigned days after the 2018 Champions League final.AdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisementHis time away didn’t last long, as Real Madrid re-hired Zidane early in 2019 for another stint that lasted more than two years. Real Madrid won another La Liga title under Zidane but left the club in May of 2021.MORE:How fast is Kylian Mbappe?Deschamps confirmed in early 2025 that he would step down from his post after the 2026 World Cup.”In 2026 it will be over. I