Didier Deschamps, who has been in charge of France since July 2012, announced that he would be stepping down as Les Bleus' coach after the 2026 World Cup in the United States, Canada and Mexico.

Deschamps led France to the 2018 World Cup title, as well as winning the Nations League in 2020-2021.

France also finished as runner-up in the 2022 World Cup, losing to Argentina on penalties, and the 2016 European Championships on home soil, losing to Portugal.

France is yet to announce who will be taking over from Deschamps, but Zidane is among the favourites to be in the dugout after next year's tournament.

"I feel qualified for the French team, where I played and spent practically 12, 13, 14 years as a player," Zidane said. "Of course, it's a dream. I can't wait."

Deschamps has taken charge of 59 matches for France, winning 36 of those (D10 L13), leading to a 61 percent win rate.

France scored scored 125 goals during Deschamps's tenure, conceding just 56 in that time.

Zidane has been out of work since leaving Real Madrid in 2021 at the end of his second spell. He led the club to three consecutive Champions League victories between 2016 and 2018, also lifting two UEFA Super Cups, two FIFA Club World Cups and two LaLiga titles.

He won 172 of his 263 games in all competitions across both spells at Madrid, with his side scoring 596 goals during that time.

As a player for France, Zidane won the World Cup and Euro 2000, partnering Deschamps in midfield for both triumphs.