France set for new coach reveal on Tuesday

France are set to turn a page in their history. After Didier Deschamps’ era, Zinedine Zidane will officially take charge of Les Bleus on Tuesday 29 July at 11am, with a two-part presentation first to the FFF’s executive committee and then to the media. His contract is already signed - only the FFF’s executive committee approval was pending, and that is now confirmed. France lost their last match 4-6 to England on 18 July 2026, a defeat that has hastened the transition at the helm of the national team.

Why did Aulas call out the leaks as ‘shocking’?

In an internal email to FFF decision-makers, Jean-Michel Aulas had expressed frustration at the process used to pick the next head coach. The problem? The contents of his message leaked to the press within hours of being sent. « I would have favoured a tighter consultation, » he said publicly, pointing to the lack of confidentiality inside the Federation. « How did exchanges meant only for the Comex end up in the media? A Federation can only function if trust among its members is absolute. »

Aulas, FFF vice-president and former Lyon president, later smoothed things over. He held a long talk with Philippe Diallo, the FFF president, to defuse any tension. « I spoke at length with Philippe Diallo yesterday afternoon. We were able to exchange calmly on the situation, » he wrote on X. A gesture of unity that belies his earlier criticism, yet confirms the outward show of harmony.

A major clue about the new coach’s identity

Aulas made no secret of his excitement for France’s next manager. « I’m thrilled the FFF can now, after an extraordinary spell under Didier Deschamps, rely on an exceptional figure to write a new chapter, » he said. The wording reads like a veiled confirmation that Zidane is the man set to replace Deschamps after the 2026 World Cup.

The FFF is banking on discretion for this handover. After four straight defeats (including the loss to England), the body wants a clean break. The new coach inherits a side in need of rebuilding, with questions over the defence and attacking rhythm. France, currently without Hugo Ekitiké, have gone five games without a win (1W-0D-4L) and face Türkiye away on 25 September 2026. A monumental task awaits Deschamps’ successor, whoever that may be.