When will Zidane's France play its first matches at the Stade de France?

Zinédine Zidane has officially been named France's new head coach. After an initial trip to Turkey, his home debut is scheduled for early October 2026 at the Stade de France, with two Nations League fixtures on the calendar.

The wait is finally over. Officially named on July 28, 2026 as the new head coach of the France national team, Zinédine Zidane will open a new chapter in the Blues' history as soon as training resumes. If his first match on the French bench will be away, supporters in Île-de-France won’t have to wait long to see the first steps of « Zizou » at the Stade de France.

Football : Zinedine Zidane officially named France's national team head coach
The French Football Federation on July 28 announced the appointment of Zinédine Zidane as head coach of the France national team. The former Ballon d'Or winner succeeds Didier Deschamps after fourteen years in charge of the Blues. [Read more]

First match in Turkey before heading back to Saint-Denis

Zinédine Zidane will officially assume his duties on September 1, 2026. His baptism of fire will come a few weeks later, on Friday 25 September, with a trip to Turkey on the opening day of the Nations League group stage. The Blues will then head to Belgium on September 28.

Zidane’s first matches at the Stade de France

The new head coach's first two home matches will be staged at the Stade de France in Saint-Denis.

The opening date is set for Friday, October 2, 2026 at 8:45 p.m., a high-profile clash against Italy. Three days later, on Monday, October 5 at 8:45 p.m., the Blues host Belgium, again in the Nations League. These two fixtures should give fans an early glimpse of the tactical setup and Zinedine Zidane's first squad in front of the French crowd.

Huge anticipation surrounding Zizou's debut

The arrival of Zinédine Zidane signals the end of Didier Deschamps' fourteen-year stint at the helm of the national team. A three-time Champions League winner as Real Madrid’s coach and the 1998 World Cup champion with the Blues, the former No. 10 already stirs enormous excitement. His first two matches at the Stade de France are expected to draw tens of thousands of fans, eager to witness the dawn of a new era for the France side.

This page may contain AI-assisted elements, more information here.