French national team head coach Zinedine Zidane launched his managerial tenure by barring outside media cameras from the national training center at Clairefontaine, reshaping squad protocols ahead of his opening UEFA Nations League match against Turkey.

The measure removes outside television crews from the arrival steps of the complex, granting the French Football Federation exclusive rights over footage production while keeping attacker Kylian Mbappé as squad captain.

Media protocols shift at Clairefontaine

Zidane implemented immediate procedural shifts across the French Football Federation setup ahead of the international window. Outside television crews and photojournalists were prohibited from recording the arrival of squad members on the steps of Clairefontaine, putting a stop to the publicized wardrobe displays that characterized the start of international camps under former manager Didier Deschamps. Under the new protocol, the French Football Federation maintains exclusive authority over capturing and distributing footage of player arrivals and squad announcements, while simultaneously establishing organized mixed zones where reporters can interview squad members throughout their stay.

French Football Federation president Philippe Diallo emphasized the scope of the appointment during the formal introduction of the new technical staff in Paris, confirming the duration of the agreement through the next tournament cycle.

“Tenho o privilégio, a grande honra e também a emoção de anunciar que Zinédine Zidane será o próximo técnico da seleção francesa pelos próximos quatro anos. Este contrato entrará em vigor em 1º de agosto. Ele apresentará toda a sua comissão técnica no início de setembro”, declared Diallo.

“Hoje, para mim, isso representa um sonho. O que posso dizer é que recebi propostas ao longo dos últimos quatro ou cinco anos para assumir clubes, mas recusei todas por causa da seleção francesa. A seleção francesa, para mim, era a única coisa que eu queria fazer. Depois da minha experiência no Real Madrid, meu único objetivo era treinar esta equipe. Passei por todas as etapas até chegar à seleção principal, que representa o auge. Hoje tenho a oportunidade de me tornar o treinador dela e vou dar …”, stated Zidane.

Squad selection features World Cup core

The initial squad list released by Zidane on September 18, 2026, features 23 players chosen for the first four rounds of the UEFA Nations League. The group preserves continuity from the previous management cycle, incorporating 15 footballers who participated in the 2026 World Cup campaign.

Speculation surrounding locker room friction between Kylian Mbappé and Ousmane Dembélé has received no official confirmation from the national team or the federation, with the players treating claims of internal division as nonexistent.

Transition follows Deschamps era

The appointment marks Zidane’s return to professional management after spending five years without a club following his departure from Real Madrid in 2021. Deschamps concluded a 14-year period in charge of the national team after the 2026 World Cup, having secured the world title in 2018 and a runner-up finish in 2022. The formal transition concluded with Zidane signing a four-year contract running from August 1, 2026, through the end of the 2030 World Cup, working alongside lead assistant coach David Bettoni.

Squad activities began on Monday (21) at Clairefontaine, opening on-pitch preparations for the first four fixtures scheduled in the tournament group stage.

Upcoming UEFA Nations League fixtures

• Friday, September 25, 2026, at 11:45: Turkey vs France
• Monday, September 28, 2026: Belgium vs France, in Brussels
• Friday, October 2, 2026: France vs Italy, at Stade de France in Saint-Denis
• Monday, October 5, 2026: France vs Belgium, at Stade de France in Saint-Denis

The opening fixture against Turkey on Friday (25) marks Zidane’s first competitive match on the touchline for the national side before traveling to Brussels three days later.