France’s new international era is about to begin with Zinedine Zidane set to unveil his first squad for a demanding Nations League window, a call-up that will be watched closely across the Champions League landscape. Real Madrid forward Kylian Mbappé is expected to be among the central names when Zidane speaks at the French Football Federation headquarters at 18:00 Spanish mainland time.
Zidane begins after the Deschamps years
Zidane takes charge of France following Didier Deschamps’ 14-year spell in command, with the new coach and his staff aiming to alter established routines and introduce their own working methods quickly.
- The first squad announcement concerns France’s upcoming Nations League fixtures.
- Surprise selections are anticipated as Zidane shapes his first group.
- The new technical staff have also introduced different rules intended to give the France set-up greater protection during the new regime.
- An Odoxa poll found that 82% of French respondents have full confidence in Zidane as national-team coach.
For France’s leading club players, the announcement marks the first international interruption under a coach whose arrival carries particular weight after a long and defining Deschamps period.
A four-match Nations League programme
France face four away-and-home challenges in a little over a week, beginning in Turkey before meetings with Belgium and Italy. The schedule will test Zidane’s ability to establish his ideas immediately.
- Friday, 25 September 2026: Turkey v France
- Monday, 28 September 2026: Belgium v France
- Friday, 2 October 2026: France v Italy
- Monday, 5 October 2026: France v Belgium
The run of fixtures gives the new manager little time to settle his squad, especially with leading players arriving from Europe’s major clubs and their continuing continental commitments.
Mbappé remains a focal point
Mbappé is expected to feature prominently in Zidane’s first selection. The Real Madrid attacker has recently reflected openly on France’s World Cup elimination by Spain, explaining why he believed his side had fallen short.
He has also underlined the significance of his club career in Madrid, saying: “To become part of football history, you have to play for Madrid.”
Off the pitch, Mbappé has agreed a partnership with Swiss sportswear company On as it enters football. Thierry Henry will serve as the brand’s Director of Football.
