Zinedine Zidane sets date for first France squad list

Zinedine Zidane will reveal the first France squad of his tenure on 18 September, giving an early indication of how he plans to shape the national team after replacing Didier Deschamps. The announcement will be closely watched for signs of continuity or changes to the group built by his predecessor.

The new France coach will hold a press conference at the French Football Federation headquarters in Paris at 18:00. Zidane, appointed on 28 July, will name the players selected for the opening four matches of the 2027 UEFA Nations League group stage. The final list of his coaching staff is due to be announced by press release on 15 September.

France, ranked third in the FIFA standings, will begin against Turkey in Kocaeli on 25 September before visiting Belgium in Brussels on 28 September. The team will then host Italy at the Stade de France on 2 October and welcome Belgium four days later. The players are scheduled to gather at Clairefontaine on 21 September, leaving little time for Zidane to introduce his ideas before the campaign begins.

Rennes forward Esteban Lepaul is among the players whose form has added interest to the selection debate. He scored twice against Le Mans in a 3-2 win, taking his tally to three goals in two matches and extending his scoring run to seven consecutive Ligue 1 games. Lepaul knows the announcement date but remains focused on producing for Rennes rather than dwelling on a possible call-up.