As Didier Deschamps prepares to oversee his last match as the manager of the French national football team, his successor appears ready to step in.

Deschamps, who took charge in 2012, is now set to conclude his long tenure. He had hoped his final game would come on Sunday in the 2026 FIFA World Cup final, but following France’s semi-final defeat to Spain, he will instead lead the team in the third-place play-off against England on Saturday.

The identity of France’s next head coach has been one of football’s most open secrets. Zinedine Zidane, who has long been waiting for the opportunity to manage his country, is now on the verge of officially taking over, according to reports from RMC Sport. The outlet indicates that while the contract is fully prepared, it has not yet been signed.

Zidane’s appointment is expected to be announced a few days after the conclusion of the World Cup, with the French Football Federation (FFF) aiming to have the deal signed by 21 July. The former Real Madrid boss is set to bring in a significantly larger backroom team compared to Deschamps. About 25 staff members are expected to join Zidane, who is reportedly keen on ensuring greater female representation within his technical and support team.

This transition marks the end of an era for Deschamps, who has led France to remarkable success, including their World Cup triumph in 2018 and a runners-up finish in 2022. Zidane’s arrival, meanwhile, will usher in a new chapter for Les Bleus, with expectations already sky-high for the former midfield legend’s tenure.