9 hours ago
After 14 years with FIFA World Cup-winning player and coach Didier Deschamps at the helm, the French national team is now officially under the stewardship of ex-captain Zinedine Zidane.
An appointment which had been largely expected for months, this marks the 54-year-old's first head coaching role since leaving Real Madrid in 2021, where he won La Liga twice and the UEFA Champions League three times across two stints in charge,
Speaking to reporters on Tuesday, Zidane, who won the World Cup alongside Deschamps in 1998 and reached the Final in 2006, during which he was sent off for headbutting Marco Materazzi, admitted that taking charge of Les Bleus was a lifelong dream come true.
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#real
An appointment which had been largely expected for months, this marks the 54-year-old's first head coaching role since leaving Real Madrid in 2021, where he won La Liga twice and the UEFA Champions League three times across two stints in charge,
Speaking to reporters on Tuesday, Zidane, who won the World Cup alongside Deschamps in 1998 and reached the Final in 2006, during which he was sent off for headbutting Marco Materazzi, admitted that taking charge of Les Bleus was a lifelong dream come true.
Donald Trump sparks outrage with Harry Kane World Cup comments
Argentina World Cup Final red card rescinded, face potential FIFA disciplinary action
#real
10 hours ago
Real Madrid star Kylian Mbappé has sent a welcome message to fellow countryman and new international manager Zinedine Zidane on Tuesday.
This of course comes fresh off the former midfielder being unveiled as the latest installation on Les Bleus' bench.
It had long been common knowledge that this summer's World Cup would mark the last major tournament overseen by Didier Deschamps as France headmaster.
Following the country's semi-final elimination at the hands of Spain, Deschamps therefore made official the mutual decision for a change at the helm.
The aforementioned Zidane had been rumoured as the leading candidate to replace his former teammate for some time, with the 54-year-old having repeatedly resisted a return to club management to instead wait for his dream role in the French dugout.
#mbapp #tuesday
This of course comes fresh off the former midfielder being unveiled as the latest installation on Les Bleus' bench.
It had long been common knowledge that this summer's World Cup would mark the last major tournament overseen by Didier Deschamps as France headmaster.
Following the country's semi-final elimination at the hands of Spain, Deschamps therefore made official the mutual decision for a change at the helm.
The aforementioned Zidane had been rumoured as the leading candidate to replace his former teammate for some time, with the 54-year-old having repeatedly resisted a return to club management to instead wait for his dream role in the French dugout.
#mbapp #tuesday
15 hours ago
As Zinédine Zidane has officially just been appointed head coach of the French national team, the 1998 world champion is preparing to take on one of the biggest challenges of his career.
By stepping into the role of Les Bleus manager, Zizou will aim to join an exclusive club: that of the giants who ruled football with the ball at their feet before imposing their expertise from the touchline.
An overview of the legends who shone both as players and as national team managers.
The man of an absolute winning mentality. Before handing over to his former teammate, Deschamps will have embodied consistency and excellence at the highest world level for more than a decade.
On the pitch: The courageous captain of the 1998 generation, he was the first Frenchman to lift the World Cup before guiding Les Bleus to glory at Euro 2000.
#team #frenchman #euro
By stepping into the role of Les Bleus manager, Zizou will aim to join an exclusive club: that of the giants who ruled football with the ball at their feet before imposing their expertise from the touchline.
An overview of the legends who shone both as players and as national team managers.
The man of an absolute winning mentality. Before handing over to his former teammate, Deschamps will have embodied consistency and excellence at the highest world level for more than a decade.
On the pitch: The courageous captain of the 1998 generation, he was the first Frenchman to lift the World Cup before guiding Les Bleus to glory at Euro 2000.
#team #frenchman #euro
16 hours ago
One of the best French soccer players of all time will lead the country's men's national team moving forward. Zinedine Zidane was named the new head coach of the club Tuesday.
Zidane, 54, signed a four-year deal with the team.
Zidane has a lot to live up to in the role. France has been one of the best performers in recent World Cups. Prior to finishing in fourth place this year, the team finished as runners-up in 2022 and won it all in 2018.
The team's head coach during that span, Didier Deschamps, announced prior to the 2026 World Cup that it would be his last one with the team, paving the way for Zidane to take over.
This story will be updated.
#prior #best #head
Zidane, 54, signed a four-year deal with the team.
Zidane has a lot to live up to in the role. France has been one of the best performers in recent World Cups. Prior to finishing in fourth place this year, the team finished as runners-up in 2022 and won it all in 2018.
The team's head coach during that span, Didier Deschamps, announced prior to the 2026 World Cup that it would be his last one with the team, paving the way for Zidane to take over.
This story will be updated.
#prior #best #head
17 hours ago
Speaking to local media and Get French Football News during pre-season preparations, Marseille manager Bruno Genesio, has welcomed Zinedine Zidane's appointment as France manager, but insists that Didier Deschamps' achievements during his 14 years in charge of Les Bleus must not be forgotten."I am like all French people," said the Marseille manager. "First of all, I would like to underline the work of Didier Deschamps because we live in a world where people forget things very quickly."
"I am very happy with the arrival of Zinedine Zidane, but I would like to emphasise what Deschamps has done for 14 years. It is exceptional. I feel that sometimes we have lacked some respect concerning that."
Deschamps' departure brought an end to one of the most successful managerial tenures in the history of the France national team. However, attention quickly turned towards his potential successor, with Zidane long considered the natural candidate to take charge.
"As soon as Didier announced his departure, we wanted to have the name of who would replace him," Genesio continued. "We will have someone with legitimacy from his career as a player, but not only that, because what he achieved during his time at Real Madrid, winning the Champions Leagues, was exceptional."
"I think we trust him, his work and his method, which will hopefully keep French football at the highest level for years to come."
#deschamps
"I am very happy with the arrival of Zinedine Zidane, but I would like to emphasise what Deschamps has done for 14 years. It is exceptional. I feel that sometimes we have lacked some respect concerning that."
Deschamps' departure brought an end to one of the most successful managerial tenures in the history of the France national team. However, attention quickly turned towards his potential successor, with Zidane long considered the natural candidate to take charge.
"As soon as Didier announced his departure, we wanted to have the name of who would replace him," Genesio continued. "We will have someone with legitimacy from his career as a player, but not only that, because what he achieved during his time at Real Madrid, winning the Champions Leagues, was exceptional."
"I think we trust him, his work and his method, which will hopefully keep French football at the highest level for years to come."
#deschamps
17 hours ago
Zinedine Zidane has been confirmed as head coach of the France national team, taking over from Didier Deschamps following their World Cup semi-final exit, and admitted he was emotional at his unveiling
Deschamps announced in January 2025 that he would step down following this summer's World Cup, with France knocked out in the last four by European champions Spain in a 2-0 defeat.
Zidane had been out of a managerial post since leaving Real Madrid, where he won three Champions League and two La Liga ***** les, in 2021.
Zinedine Zidane won three consecutive Champions League crowns with Real Madrid (Getty)
But the former France captain had been widely touted as a potential replacement for Deschamps, who helmed the national side for 14 years, and has been installed on a long-term deal.
#champions #zinedine #madrid
Deschamps announced in January 2025 that he would step down following this summer's World Cup, with France knocked out in the last four by European champions Spain in a 2-0 defeat.
Zidane had been out of a managerial post since leaving Real Madrid, where he won three Champions League and two La Liga ***** les, in 2021.
Zinedine Zidane won three consecutive Champions League crowns with Real Madrid (Getty)
But the former France captain had been widely touted as a potential replacement for Deschamps, who helmed the national side for 14 years, and has been installed on a long-term deal.
#champions #zinedine #madrid
18 hours ago
Zinedine Zidane was appointed France coach on Tuesday, as widely expected, following the departure of Didier Deschamps, the French Football Federation (FFF) announced.
Zidane, 54, had long been viewed as the leading candidate for the role and had been waiting for an opportunity to take charge of the national team for several years.
He will replace Deschamps, whose tenure began in 2012 and ended earlier this month after France finished fourth at the World Cup.
Deschamps guided France to 2018 World Cup glory and the final four years later.
"For me, it's an immense joy... being able to become the coach of this French team. I don't have any other words," said Zidane, who takes over on a four-year deal that runs until the 2030 World Cup co-hosted by Spain, Portugal and Morocco.
#france #World #years #four
Zidane, 54, had long been viewed as the leading candidate for the role and had been waiting for an opportunity to take charge of the national team for several years.
He will replace Deschamps, whose tenure began in 2012 and ended earlier this month after France finished fourth at the World Cup.
Deschamps guided France to 2018 World Cup glory and the final four years later.
"For me, it's an immense joy... being able to become the coach of this French team. I don't have any other words," said Zidane, who takes over on a four-year deal that runs until the 2030 World Cup co-hosted by Spain, Portugal and Morocco.
#france #World #years #four
18 hours ago
The French Football Federation have called the appointment of Zinedine Zidane as a meeting of a legend in the history of Les Bleus
Zidane has been confirmed as the new head coach of theFrance national team, returning to the dugout for the first time since leaving Real Madrid in 2021.
The 54-year-old replaces Didier Deschamps, whose 14-year reign concluded after this summer's World Cup.
Zidane has signed a deal until the 2030World Cup and will lead a talented France side into the next major tournament cycles.
The three-time Champions League winner is regarded as, arguably, France's finest ever footballer and French Football Federation chief Philippe Diallo has called his appointment a landmark moment for the country.
#french #Football #appointment #year
Zidane has been confirmed as the new head coach of theFrance national team, returning to the dugout for the first time since leaving Real Madrid in 2021.
The 54-year-old replaces Didier Deschamps, whose 14-year reign concluded after this summer's World Cup.
Zidane has signed a deal until the 2030World Cup and will lead a talented France side into the next major tournament cycles.
The three-time Champions League winner is regarded as, arguably, France's finest ever footballer and French Football Federation chief Philippe Diallo has called his appointment a landmark moment for the country.
#french #Football #appointment #year
19 hours ago
Zinédine Zidane has been officially introduced today by French FA president Philippe Diallo as Didier Deschamps' successor in the dugout for Les Bleus.Zidane faced the media this morning at the French FA's Parisian headquarters alongside Diallo. The former Real Madrid head coach has penned a four-year contract with France.
Diallo has explained that he initiated contact with Zidane in February 2025, a couple of weeks after Deschamps made official his decision to step down as manager after the 2026 World Cup. Zidane started his remarks by sending a message of support to the firefighters battling massive forest fires in southwestern France as well as a congratulatory message to his predecessor, Deschamps.
Zidane went on to say, that during his five-year break from management, he turned down numerous proposals because he only had the France job on his mind. "I turned them all down for the French national team, because it's the only thing I wanted to do after my experience at Real Madrid. The only thing that motivates me is being able to work for this team and for it to continue winning." Zidane added that today was the best day of his coaching career.
GFFN | Bastien Cheval
#diallo #madrid
Diallo has explained that he initiated contact with Zidane in February 2025, a couple of weeks after Deschamps made official his decision to step down as manager after the 2026 World Cup. Zidane started his remarks by sending a message of support to the firefighters battling massive forest fires in southwestern France as well as a congratulatory message to his predecessor, Deschamps.
Zidane went on to say, that during his five-year break from management, he turned down numerous proposals because he only had the France job on his mind. "I turned them all down for the French national team, because it's the only thing I wanted to do after my experience at Real Madrid. The only thing that motivates me is being able to work for this team and for it to continue winning." Zidane added that today was the best day of his coaching career.
GFFN | Bastien Cheval
#diallo #madrid
19 hours ago
Zinédine Zidane is the new manager of the French national team after signing a contract until 2030.
France finished fourth at the 2026 World Cup under Didier Deschamps, losing 6-4 in a remarkable third-place play-off to England after having been defeated at the semi-final stage by eventual winners Spain.
"I've often said it: there's nothing greater than the French National Team," the former player said on his appointment.
"It is therefore a joy and, of course, a great source of pride to become the manager of this French National Team. It's also a responsibility. I want to thank [FFF] President Philippe Diallo, the Executive Committee, and the French Football Federation for their confidence and acknowledge the fourteen years of service from Didier and his staff. I also have a special thought today for all my coaches.
"Needless to say, I have high ambitions for the French National Team."
#national #team #didier #england
France finished fourth at the 2026 World Cup under Didier Deschamps, losing 6-4 in a remarkable third-place play-off to England after having been defeated at the semi-final stage by eventual winners Spain.
"I've often said it: there's nothing greater than the French National Team," the former player said on his appointment.
"It is therefore a joy and, of course, a great source of pride to become the manager of this French National Team. It's also a responsibility. I want to thank [FFF] President Philippe Diallo, the Executive Committee, and the French Football Federation for their confidence and acknowledge the fourteen years of service from Didier and his staff. I also have a special thought today for all my coaches.
"Needless to say, I have high ambitions for the French National Team."
#national #team #didier #england
19 hours ago
Former Real Madrid manager Zinedine Zidane has been confirmed as the new head coach of the France national team.
Didier Deschamps, France's longest-serving manager, ended his 14-year stint in charge after the nation's semi-final exit to Spain at the 2026 World Cup.
Zidane, a World Cup winner with France in 1998, has been out of management since leaving Real Madrid for a second time as head coach in 2021.
The 54-year-old, widely considered to be France's greatest player, will sign a contract that will see him lead the nation through the 2030 World Cup qualifiers.
On being appointed, he said it was "a great source of pride" to lead the French national side following their fourth-place finish at the World Cup.
#head
Didier Deschamps, France's longest-serving manager, ended his 14-year stint in charge after the nation's semi-final exit to Spain at the 2026 World Cup.
Zidane, a World Cup winner with France in 1998, has been out of management since leaving Real Madrid for a second time as head coach in 2021.
The 54-year-old, widely considered to be France's greatest player, will sign a contract that will see him lead the nation through the 2030 World Cup qualifiers.
On being appointed, he said it was "a great source of pride" to lead the French national side following their fourth-place finish at the World Cup.
#head
19 hours ago
As expected, Zinédine Zidane has been appointed coach of the French men' national team in succession of Didier Deschamps, the French Football Federation (FFF) has said.
FFF president Philippe Diallo named Zidane "a legend of French football" in a news conference and said that Zidane has signed a contract until 2030.
Zidane, 54, won the 1998 World Cup and Euro 2000 as a player of a team captained by Deschamps. His only coaching experience are two terms at Real Madrid 2016-2018 and 2019-2021 during which he won three Champions Leagues and two LaLigas.
"I've said it many times: there's nothing bigger than the French national team. So it's a pleasure and, of course, a great honour to become coach of this French national team. But it's also a responsibility," Zidane said in a federation statement.
The three-time World Player of the Year had long been considered the top contender to take over from Deschamps who stepped down after 14 years in charge after the recent World Cup.
#zidane #player #coach
FFF president Philippe Diallo named Zidane "a legend of French football" in a news conference and said that Zidane has signed a contract until 2030.
Zidane, 54, won the 1998 World Cup and Euro 2000 as a player of a team captained by Deschamps. His only coaching experience are two terms at Real Madrid 2016-2018 and 2019-2021 during which he won three Champions Leagues and two LaLigas.
"I've said it many times: there's nothing bigger than the French national team. So it's a pleasure and, of course, a great honour to become coach of this French national team. But it's also a responsibility," Zidane said in a federation statement.
The three-time World Player of the Year had long been considered the top contender to take over from Deschamps who stepped down after 14 years in charge after the recent World Cup.
#zidane #player #coach
19 hours ago
France now has the leader it had dreamed of for years. The French Football Federation (FFF) has officially appointed Zinédine Zidane as the new national team manager.
The 54-year-old coach succeeds Didier Deschamps, who stepped down after the 2026 World Cup following 14 years in charge of the team.
Zidane's challenge will be to match, or at least come close to, Deschamps' achievements, after he led France to World Cup glory in 2018 and another final in 2022.
Considered one of the greatest players of all time, Zidane now takes charge of the country he captained to both the World Cup and European Championship ***** les. His managerial résumé is just as impressive, with three consecutive Champions League ***** les and two La Liga crowns won across his two spells in charge of Real Madrid.
Zidane's first challenge will be to lead France in the UEFA Nations League before turning his focus to qualification for Euro 2028, with a squad that still boasts top-level talent such as Kylian Mbappé, Aurélien Tchouaméni and William Saliba.
#deschamps #league #titles
The 54-year-old coach succeeds Didier Deschamps, who stepped down after the 2026 World Cup following 14 years in charge of the team.
Zidane's challenge will be to match, or at least come close to, Deschamps' achievements, after he led France to World Cup glory in 2018 and another final in 2022.
Considered one of the greatest players of all time, Zidane now takes charge of the country he captained to both the World Cup and European Championship ***** les. His managerial résumé is just as impressive, with three consecutive Champions League ***** les and two La Liga crowns won across his two spells in charge of Real Madrid.
Zidane's first challenge will be to lead France in the UEFA Nations League before turning his focus to qualification for Euro 2028, with a squad that still boasts top-level talent such as Kylian Mbappé, Aurélien Tchouaméni and William Saliba.
#deschamps #league #titles
6 days ago
PARIS (AP) — France's new coach will be announced next Tuesday, when Zinedine Zidane is widely expected to replace Didier Deschamps.
The French Football Federation said in a statement on Thursday that its president Philippe Diallo will name the coach at a news conference at the headquarters in Paris.
The 54-year-old Zidane has not coached since leaving Real Madrid in 2021. The midfield great coached Madrid to three straight Champions League ****** les from 2016-18.
Deschamps was in charge of France for 14 years and stepped down after the World Cup, where Les Bleus lost in the semifinals to Spain.
France won the World Cup under Deschamps in 2018 and lost the final on penalties in 2022. Les Bleus also lost the European Championship final on home soil in 2016.
#deschamps #lost #madrid #coach
The French Football Federation said in a statement on Thursday that its president Philippe Diallo will name the coach at a news conference at the headquarters in Paris.
The 54-year-old Zidane has not coached since leaving Real Madrid in 2021. The midfield great coached Madrid to three straight Champions League ****** les from 2016-18.
Deschamps was in charge of France for 14 years and stepped down after the World Cup, where Les Bleus lost in the semifinals to Spain.
France won the World Cup under Deschamps in 2018 and lost the final on penalties in 2022. Les Bleus also lost the European Championship final on home soil in 2016.
#deschamps #lost #madrid #coach
14 days ago
With France's decisive 2-0 loss to Spain in the men's World Cup semifinals on Tuesday, the end is now in sight for Didier Deschamps' run as the French manager. After France finishes the third-place game against Argentina or England this coming Saturday, Deschamps will officially step down.
UNWAVERED: Lamine Yamal knew Spain had nothing to fear against France
His planned replacement, at least on paper, is as good as it gets.
French legend Zinedine Zidane will officially take over for Deschamps as the manager of the men's soccer team. Zidane, of course, led France to the 1998 World Cup ***** le and the 2000 European championship as a player. He is widely regarded as one of the greatest players in soccer history. Zidane and Deschamps were ironically teammates on those French squads.
Now, Zidane gets to take over for his home country and try to emulate France's immense success under Deschamps. Knowing Zidane's reputation, it's probably a safe call to ***** ume France will remain an international soccer power for the foreseeable future.
UNWAVERED: Lamine Yamal knew Spain had nothing to fear against France
His planned replacement, at least on paper, is as good as it gets.
French legend Zinedine Zidane will officially take over for Deschamps as the manager of the men's soccer team. Zidane, of course, led France to the 1998 World Cup ***** le and the 2000 European championship as a player. He is widely regarded as one of the greatest players in soccer history. Zidane and Deschamps were ironically teammates on those French squads.
Now, Zidane gets to take over for his home country and try to emulate France's immense success under Deschamps. Knowing Zidane's reputation, it's probably a safe call to ***** ume France will remain an international soccer power for the foreseeable future.
15 days ago
Nothing but legends.
This Tuesday evening, July 14, the France team takes on Spain in the semi-finals of the 2026 World Cup.
A clash with the feel of a final — and a chance for revenge for Les Bleus, two years after their defeat, again in the semi-finals, at Euro 2024 (2-1).
But the last time Les Bleus and La Roja faced each other at the World Cup was... exactly 20 years ago! In 2006, in Germany, in the round of 16.
Spain dreamed of sending Zinédine Zidane into retirement, but it was indeed he and his teammates who sent the Spaniards packing (3-1).
This Tuesday evening, July 14, the France team takes on Spain in the semi-finals of the 2026 World Cup.
A clash with the feel of a final — and a chance for revenge for Les Bleus, two years after their defeat, again in the semi-finals, at Euro 2024 (2-1).
But the last time Les Bleus and La Roja faced each other at the World Cup was... exactly 20 years ago! In 2006, in Germany, in the round of 16.
Spain dreamed of sending Zinédine Zidane into retirement, but it was indeed he and his teammates who sent the Spaniards packing (3-1).
18 days ago
France next World Cup match: Fixture schedule, start time, draw bracket as Les Blues face Spain in semifinals originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
France arrived at this summer's World Cup bidding for a successful end to Didier Deschamps' time in charge.
The head coach will step down after the tournament, with Zinedine Zidane widely expected to take over the position with Les Bleus that Deschamps has held since 2012. He will have a difficult job to replace his former teammate, who led France to glory at the 2018 finals in Russia and only lost the 2022 showpiece to Argentina on penalties.
France undoubtedly boast one of the strongest rosters in the tournament, and topped Group I comfortably after wins against Senegal, Norway and Iraq.
Here is everything you need to know about France's appearance at the World Cup, including the latest results from the tournament.
France arrived at this summer's World Cup bidding for a successful end to Didier Deschamps' time in charge.
The head coach will step down after the tournament, with Zinedine Zidane widely expected to take over the position with Les Bleus that Deschamps has held since 2012. He will have a difficult job to replace his former teammate, who led France to glory at the 2018 finals in Russia and only lost the 2022 showpiece to Argentina on penalties.
France undoubtedly boast one of the strongest rosters in the tournament, and topped Group I comfortably after wins against Senegal, Norway and Iraq.
Here is everything you need to know about France's appearance at the World Cup, including the latest results from the tournament.
27 days ago
A puff of the cheeks, a drop of the shoulders and a sumptuous dipper to seal the deal. It may have been somewhat of a surprise when, eight minutes from time and 20 yards out, Christian Pulisic did not step up to take a free-kick just outside the Bosnia and Herzegovina penalty area. But US midfielder Malik Tillman made a mockery of such thoughts and, with it, secured American progression to the last-16 of the World Cup 2026. Their World Cup.
It is a first knockout victory in 24 years and just their second in World Cup history. And yet, five days out from a rip-roaring last-16 tie against Belgium, there is a rather big but.
Amongst 70,000, Folarin Balogun was one of thousands bemused. Some were downright angry. After jumping to his feet post-medical treatment, Mauricio Pochettino’s star striker – who scored the opening goal in the first-half, his third of the tournament – received a red card from Brazilian referee Raphael Claus for “serious foul play” midway through the second-half. Replays, aired at excruciatingly super-slow motion, showed Balogun’s foot scrape down the calf of Bosnian defender Tarik Muharemovic amidst a tangle of legs. On the field, the official did not even give a free- kick before the controversial VAR referral. There were no Bosnian appeals.
Regrettably, this is where we are with the game now. What can be given as a foul on the pitch for a near-identical tackle by Lionel Messi in Argentina’s opening game against Algeria can now be upgraded to a red after a video review when, at first glance, it was the most innocuous of coming-togethers; nothing more than a typical footballing mishmash of legs. For Balogun, the Londoner born in New York who has been one of the tournament’s revelations to this point, it is the cruellest of knockout blows. He will now be suspended for Monday’s match against Belgium in Seattle, appeal dependent.
On a Californian evening which should have ended in unencumbered joy, it left a sour taste in the mouth. Balogun becomes the first player to score and be sent off in a World Cup match since Zinedine Zidane in the 2006 final. That decision was somewhat more unambiguous. Still, “Take Me Home, Country Roads” bellowed out across this sun-soaked stadium at full-time. A high-pitched finale to a high-octane occasion.
It is a first knockout victory in 24 years and just their second in World Cup history. And yet, five days out from a rip-roaring last-16 tie against Belgium, there is a rather big but.
Amongst 70,000, Folarin Balogun was one of thousands bemused. Some were downright angry. After jumping to his feet post-medical treatment, Mauricio Pochettino’s star striker – who scored the opening goal in the first-half, his third of the tournament – received a red card from Brazilian referee Raphael Claus for “serious foul play” midway through the second-half. Replays, aired at excruciatingly super-slow motion, showed Balogun’s foot scrape down the calf of Bosnian defender Tarik Muharemovic amidst a tangle of legs. On the field, the official did not even give a free- kick before the controversial VAR referral. There were no Bosnian appeals.
Regrettably, this is where we are with the game now. What can be given as a foul on the pitch for a near-identical tackle by Lionel Messi in Argentina’s opening game against Algeria can now be upgraded to a red after a video review when, at first glance, it was the most innocuous of coming-togethers; nothing more than a typical footballing mishmash of legs. For Balogun, the Londoner born in New York who has been one of the tournament’s revelations to this point, it is the cruellest of knockout blows. He will now be suspended for Monday’s match against Belgium in Seattle, appeal dependent.
On a Californian evening which should have ended in unencumbered joy, it left a sour taste in the mouth. Balogun becomes the first player to score and be sent off in a World Cup match since Zinedine Zidane in the 2006 final. That decision was somewhat more unambiguous. Still, “Take Me Home, Country Roads” bellowed out across this sun-soaked stadium at full-time. A high-pitched finale to a high-octane occasion.
30 days ago
Legendary Brazilian striker Ronaldo gave a wide-ranging interview to L’Equipe, in which he backs his former Real Madrid teammate Zinédine Zidane to succeed as France’s next national team manager. Zidane is the overwhelming favourite to take over Les Bleus once Didier Deschamps leaves his post after the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
The 49-year-old Ronaldo considers that the French maestro is the best player he has ever played football with, and the best teammate he ever had. Twenty years ago, Zidane schooled Ronaldo’s Brazil in the 2006 FIFA World Cup quarter-final, and this memory still haunts the iconic No. 9 to this day. “He delivered an absolutely exceptional performance, at the highest technical level imaginable… It was a truly masterful demonstration.”
Ronaldo revealed that, in the aftermath of the game, Zidane went to Brazil’s locker room to swap his jersey with him. But the former Inter Milan striker sent him away. “He came into our locker room, but the atmosphere was terrible, a lot of players were crying. I congratulated him, but I asked him to leave.”
Ronaldo looks forward to Zidane taking over from Deschamps as head of Les Bleus, and the Brazilian legend is adamant that his former teammate will succeed. “He has the perfect profile for the job. He has the talent, the experience, the tactical intelligence, and the ideal character. And this isn’t just a hunch; he’s already proven it with his brilliant spell as Real Madrid manager.”
GFFN | Bastien Cheval
The 49-year-old Ronaldo considers that the French maestro is the best player he has ever played football with, and the best teammate he ever had. Twenty years ago, Zidane schooled Ronaldo’s Brazil in the 2006 FIFA World Cup quarter-final, and this memory still haunts the iconic No. 9 to this day. “He delivered an absolutely exceptional performance, at the highest technical level imaginable… It was a truly masterful demonstration.”
Ronaldo revealed that, in the aftermath of the game, Zidane went to Brazil’s locker room to swap his jersey with him. But the former Inter Milan striker sent him away. “He came into our locker room, but the atmosphere was terrible, a lot of players were crying. I congratulated him, but I asked him to leave.”
Ronaldo looks forward to Zidane taking over from Deschamps as head of Les Bleus, and the Brazilian legend is adamant that his former teammate will succeed. “He has the perfect profile for the job. He has the talent, the experience, the tactical intelligence, and the ideal character. And this isn’t just a hunch; he’s already proven it with his brilliant spell as Real Madrid manager.”
GFFN | Bastien Cheval
1 month ago
France next World Cup match: Fixture schedule, start time, draw bracket as Les Blues face Sweden originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
France arrived at this summer's World Cup bidding for a successful end to Didier Deschamps' time in charge.
The head coach will step down after the tournament, with Zinedine Zidane widely expected to take over the position with Les Bleus that Deschamps has held since 2012. He will have a difficult job to replace his former teammate, who led France to glory at the 2018 finals in Russia and only lost the 2022 showpiece to Argentina on penalties.
France undoubtedly boast one of the strongest rosters in the tournament, and topped Group I comfortable after wins against Senegal, Norway and Iraq.
Here is everything you need to know about France's appearance at the World Cup, including the latest results from the tournament.
France arrived at this summer's World Cup bidding for a successful end to Didier Deschamps' time in charge.
The head coach will step down after the tournament, with Zinedine Zidane widely expected to take over the position with Les Bleus that Deschamps has held since 2012. He will have a difficult job to replace his former teammate, who led France to glory at the 2018 finals in Russia and only lost the 2022 showpiece to Argentina on penalties.
France undoubtedly boast one of the strongest rosters in the tournament, and topped Group I comfortable after wins against Senegal, Norway and Iraq.
Here is everything you need to know about France's appearance at the World Cup, including the latest results from the tournament.
1 month ago
France superstar Michael Olise’s meteoric rise has been something to behold. The former Crystal Palace man went from being an exciting addition to a crowded Bayern Munich winger group, to Bundesliga rookie of the year, to oh boy was that first season not a fluke…to hero for Les Bleus at the World Cup.
“Yes, Michael, as everyone can see, he’s a star,” France and ******* nal defender William Saliba said at the press conference ahead of tomorrow’s World Cup match against Iraq (as captured via iMiaSanMia).
Just don’t build a statue of him — yet. He’s merely on the trajectory, to being one of the all-timers.
“Of course, he’s still got a long way to go before he can be compared to [Michel] Platini or [Zinedine] Zidane,” Saliba added. “But in any case, it’s a pleasure to have him in our team. He’s a player who can do everything and who can break the deadlock in all sorts of situations. I hope that one day he’ll be in that league. But for now it’s a bit too early.”
What sets Olise apart? Not only his talent but his savvy: knowing when to break out everything in his skills locker and also knowing when to keep it simple.
“Yes, Michael, as everyone can see, he’s a star,” France and ******* nal defender William Saliba said at the press conference ahead of tomorrow’s World Cup match against Iraq (as captured via iMiaSanMia).
Just don’t build a statue of him — yet. He’s merely on the trajectory, to being one of the all-timers.
“Of course, he’s still got a long way to go before he can be compared to [Michel] Platini or [Zinedine] Zidane,” Saliba added. “But in any case, it’s a pleasure to have him in our team. He’s a player who can do everything and who can break the deadlock in all sorts of situations. I hope that one day he’ll be in that league. But for now it’s a bit too early.”
What sets Olise apart? Not only his talent but his savvy: knowing when to break out everything in his skills locker and also knowing when to keep it simple.
1 month ago
France next World Cup match: Fixture schedule, start time, draw bracket as Les Blues face Iraq originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
France head to this summer's World Cup bidding for a successful end to Didier Deschamps' time in charge.
The head coach will step down after the tournament, with Zinedine Zidane widely expected to take over the position with Les Bleus that Deschamps has held since 2012. He will have a difficult job to replace his former teammate, who led France to glory at the 2018 finals in Russia and only lost the 2022 showpiece to Argentina on penalties.
France undoubtedly boast one of the strongest rosters in the tournament, but their Group I campaign looks anything but straightforward. Up first are Senegal, who won the most recent Africa Cup of Nations only to see their ***** le stripped. France then face qualifying playoff winners Iraq before facing Erling Haaland and Norway.
Here is everything you need to know about France's appearance at the World Cup, including the latest results from the tournament.
France head to this summer's World Cup bidding for a successful end to Didier Deschamps' time in charge.
The head coach will step down after the tournament, with Zinedine Zidane widely expected to take over the position with Les Bleus that Deschamps has held since 2012. He will have a difficult job to replace his former teammate, who led France to glory at the 2018 finals in Russia and only lost the 2022 showpiece to Argentina on penalties.
France undoubtedly boast one of the strongest rosters in the tournament, but their Group I campaign looks anything but straightforward. Up first are Senegal, who won the most recent Africa Cup of Nations only to see their ***** le stripped. France then face qualifying playoff winners Iraq before facing Erling Haaland and Norway.
Here is everything you need to know about France's appearance at the World Cup, including the latest results from the tournament.
