Zinedine Zidane wins FFF backing after France debut

Zinedine Zidane has received strong backing from the French Football Federation after his first international gathering as France coach. FFF president Philippe Diallo said the appointment had been made to preserve the national team's high standards while giving it a fresh direction. He also confirmed that Zidane is expected to target success in the Nations League, Euro 2028 and the 2030 World Cup.

France collected 10 points from four matches under Zidane, with three victories and one draw, leaving the team top of its group. Diallo said the opening sequence had not been flawless, but believed it had produced an encouraging start and offered supporters reasons for optimism.

Zidane remained in Paris after Monday's win over Belgium at the Stade de France to review the camp with his staff. That prevented him from attending Robert Pirès' jubilee in Metz later that evening. His next task will also involve helping the federation assess its technical structure. Diallo has created a working group with Zidane, technical director Hubert Fournier, executive committee members Marc Keller and Baptiste Malherbe, with the aim of improving coordination among France's youth and senior teams. Zidane's experience in Spain will be used as a reference, although the federation does not intend to copy that system.