Zidane effect drives France ticket sales for Nations League
France fans are rushing to buy tickets for the Nations League matches against Italy and Belgium on October 2 and 5 at the Stade de France. The announcement of Zinédine Zidane as the new manager on July 28 has sparked an unprecedented surge in demand. League standing: 1st in World Cup, 9 pts, 3W-0D-0L from 3 games, recent form LLWWW.
Why the unprecedented excitement?
Jean-Baptiste Montarnier, president of Bleus & Fiers, explains: "The Zidane effect is very much present. People want to go to the stadium and see the new manager, an icon of French football." FFF license holders and Club des Supporters members could book tickets starting July 29.
France vs Italy, the most anticipated match
The match against Italy on October 2 is the most in-demand. Geoffroy Lagrue, a member of Bleus & Fiers, has bought two tickets: "It's the match not to be missed: Zidane's first game on the bench and the first home match against Italy." Fans hope for a win to erase the memory of the last result: France 4-6 England (2026-07-18).
How to get tickets?
General public ticket sales open on July 31 at 2 PM. Thibault Julien, 27, has set an alert on his phone: "I'll try to log in 30 minutes before the opening time." Tickets are limited, and fans are ready to do anything to attend these historic matches.
