Didier Deschamps is living his last season at the head of the Blues. At the end of the 2026 World Cup, the national coach will end 14 years of collaboration with the French Football Federation. To reconnect with a bench quickly visibly, and possibly in Ligue 1. And to leave his place a priori to a certain Zinedine Zidane.
If the official announcement will wait, everyone agrees that the international time of the former number 10 has come. Including his potential challenger Thierry Henry. Since 2021 and the end of his adventure at Real Madrid, “Zizou” has been champing at the bit while waiting for this career opportunity. In short, an unmissable event.
If his induction were to be confirmed, Zinedine Zidane would have a first new challenge to take on. A new format Euro 2028 qualifying campaign if we are to believe UEFA President Alexander Ceferin, who wants to dust off the model of these somewhat tedious continental qualifiers according to a confession made in Portugal this weekend on the sidelines of a summit dedicated to football.
The Champions League for inspiration?
“ Maybe the qualifications could be different », Says the boss of European football, determined to reformat the race for the Euro after the advent of the League of Nations and the overhaul of interclub competitions. This while campaigning for “ more matches with a more interesting format “. “ We are currently thinking about it », concludes the Slovenian.
Two models could thus inspire this great revolution announced. A system of groups subject to promotion and relegation as can be observed in the League of Nations. Or more likely an adaptation of the League phase of the Champions League in particular with a mini championship determined by drawing lots and back-and-forth confrontations defined according to the ranking.
