Zidane with the Blues, the big announcement

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By: Manu Tournoux

Zidane with the Blues, the big announcement

Twenty-eight years after his double header against Brazil in the final of the 1998 World Cup, Zinédine Zidane will return to the Stade de France twice at the start of the 2026 school year – if he succeeds Didier Deschamps at the head of the Blues. Asked by
The Teamthe president of the FFF Philippe Diallo did not confirm the future appointment of “Zizou” but specified that the announcement could perhaps take place as early as next March!

After the 2026 World Cup in North America and their respective club resumption, Kylian Mbappé and his teammates will return to Clairefontaine on September 21 only. Fifa introduces a brand new two-and-a-half-week international window, with matches from September 24 until October 6, 2026, and European teams will play their first four Nations League matches.

Zinédine Zidane during his double in the final against Brazil.

This will be the opportunity for the 2022 world vice-champions to return to the Stade de France after having taken up residence at the Parc des Princes in 2025 (against Iceland, Azerbaijan and Ukraine in the World Cup 26 qualifiers). The FFF has finally reached an agreement with GL Events, concessionaire of the Saint-Denis venue.

Zidane’s Blues in a Stade de France under construction

As indicated The Parisianthe contract will last 30 years. The “SDF” will initially be under renovation, until 2030, and the FFF will be able to freely decide whether to play there or not. Once the work is completed, six Blues matches will be scheduled at the Stade de France over a period of two seasons (in addition to two Coupe de France finals). The FFF therefore wishes to organize one or two matches per year in the provinces.

The Zidane version of the French team will therefore play the new season of the League of Nations with a group stage in September, October and November 2026, before quarter-finals or play-offs in March and a potential “Final Four” at the end of the European season. The Blues will then continue with the Euro 2028 qualifiers. They will therefore play most of the time at the Stade de France.

Manu Tournoux

Written by:

Manu Tournoux

Manu Tournoux is a passionate and knowledgeable football enthusiast with a special focus on French football. Born and raised in France, Manu discovered his love for the beautiful game at a young age and developed a deep understanding of the ins and outs of "Le Championnat." His French roots and extensive experience in football journalism have made him an invaluable asset to the French Football Weekly team. As an author for the website, his expertise includes not only in-depth analysis of Ligue 1 and Ligue 2 matches but also insightful profiles of up-and-coming talents, detailed transfer news, and engaging coverage of the French national team. His captivating writing style and undeniable passion for the game have earned him a loyal following among our readers. When he's not crafting engaging articles for French Football Weekly, Manu enjoys attending live matches whenever he can, exploring football culture in various French cities, and engaging in spirited debates with fellow fans.