Zidane's First Two Games as France Coach: Inside the Historic Start

Zinedine Zidane’s managerial career with the French national team could not have started on a more decisive note. Taking over one of the most high-pressure jobs in world football, the former Real Madrid manager delivered back-to-back victories in his first week in charge.

With two clean sheets and six points in UEFA Nations League play, Zidane has injected immediate momentum into a squad undergoing a major transition.

Has Zinedine Zidane won his first matches as France coach?

Yes, Zinedine Zidane won both of his opening matches as France head coach.

His tenure began on September 25 with a disciplined 1-0 away victory against Turkey in UEFA Nations League group action. Three days later on September 28, Zidane followed it up with a hard-fought 1-0 victory over Belgium in Brussels.

These consecutive clean-sheet wins secure six points out of six to kick off his international coaching career. The successful start places him in elite company: Zidane is just the fourth coach in the history of the French national team to win his first two official matches in charge. He joins Henri Guérin (1964), Henri Michel (1984), and Aimé Jacquet (1994) as the only managers to achieve the feat.

Who scored the winning goal against Belgium?

Michael Olise scored the winning goal against Belgium, striking in the 89th minute to break a tense deadlock in Brussels.

The late goal capped off a grinding away performance for Les Bleus, rewarding Zidane’s tactical patience late in the match. Olise’s sharp finish sealed the 1-0 result and gave Zidane his second consecutive victory on the road.

When did Zidane become France's head coach?

Zidane was officially appointed as France’s head coach on July 28, 2026.

He agreed to a four-year contract with the French Football Federation (FFF) that runs through the 2030 World Cup. Zidane stepped into the role following the departure of Didier Deschamps, who vacated the position after France finished fourth at the 2026 World Cup.

French Football Federation president Philippe Diallo emphasized the magnitude of the signing during the official unveiling in Paris, calling the appointment "an exceptional moment" for French football.

How does Zidane's start compare to Deschamps' start?

Zidane's two-match winning streak puts him ahead of his predecessor's early pace.

When Didier Deschamps took charge of France in August 2012, his reign began with a 0-0 draw against Uruguay in a friendly. While Deschamps went on to enjoy an iconic 14-year run that included a 2018 World Cup title, Zidane’s immediate results give him an early statistical edge.

Securing six points from two competitive UEFA Nations League away fixtures provides Zidane with immediate breathing room and credit in the bank.

What's next for France under Zidane?

France turns its attention to a major home fixture against Italy on October 2.

This match marks their third fixture in the UEFA Nations League group stage. It will also serve as Zidane’s home debut as manager at the Stade de France, giving French supporters their first opportunity to welcome the legend back to the touchline on home soil.

Maintaining a perfect record against high-caliber European opposition will be the primary test for Zidane as he continues to establish his tactical identity.

Why did the French Football Federation choose Zidane specifically?

The French Football Federation targeted Zidane to bring proven elite-level pedigree and immediate authority to the locker room.

Zidane represents a bridge between France’s historic triumphs and its current generation of talent. He is the third member of France's famous 1998 World Cup-winning squad to take the national team job, following Laurent Blanc and Didier Deschamps.

His deep connection to the national shirt and his history of managing world-class superstars made him the natural choice to succeed Deschamps.

What did Zidane accomplish before taking this job?

Before stepping onto the international stage, Zidane built an unmatched managerial record at Real Madrid.

He famously led the Spanish giants to three consecutive UEFA Champions League titles from 2016 to 2018, a feat never before achieved in the modern Champions League era. During his tenure in Madrid, he also won La Liga titles and domestic cups, earning him the award for FIFA's Best Men's Coach in 2017.

Zidane had been away from management since stepping down from his second stint at Real Madrid in May 2021. He spent five years out of the dugout, deliberately turning down club offers while waiting for the chance to manage Les Bleus. That long wait has now yielded immediate dividends on the pitch.