France’s New Era Under Zidane:
What To Expect
Zinedine Zidane is the new coach of France, and the French public could not be happier. The man who delivered the first star on their jersey has returned to lead the national team, taking over from Didier Deschamps, his captain during that triumph in 1998. But while the affection for Zidane will buy him time, it will not lower the bar. He inherits a generation where reaching a semi-final is no longer celebrated, it is the bare minimum. The pressure may be greater than anything Deschamps ever faced, even if the grace period will be longer, because Deschamps had credit in the bank from a Euro 2016 final, a World Cup win in 2018, and a Nations League title after that.
A Philosophical Shift
The complaints that followed Deschamps for years centred on France's conservative play, the habit of surrendering the initiative to other top teams and reacting rather than imposing. That approach delivered the World Cup in 2018, and it mirrored Aimé Jacquet's story in 1998, when the same criticism raged and knives were sharpened before the tournament on home soil.
Jacquet was Deschamps' idol, and Deschamps borrowed from his playbook and reproduced the same result, a three-goal triumph in the final. But even then, there was a feeling that this team could have been so much more. With the attacking talent at France's disposal, winning a World Cup with Matuidi as the starting left winger felt underwhelming. Those complaints faded to whispers because of the trophy, until the shocking early exit at Euro 2020 brought them roaring back.
Since then, the clamour for Zidane has grown, and the contrast between the two men could not be sharper. Their philosophies are viewed as direct extensions of who they were as players, and that is exactly why the French public believe Zidane can unlock something Deschamps never could.
Deschamps' coaching is seen as reflecting what he was as a player, a water carrier who relied on grit and discipline, the man who did the dirty work so the flamboyant ones could shine. Zidane's is seen as mirroring his own playing days too, when he was magnificence and magic personified, a midfielder whose technical excellence set him apart from everyone else on the pitch.
His Real Madrid side played football that was easy on the eye, and he is expected to bring that same idea to France. No more sitting back and letting the opposition dictate and no more playing as if they do not boast a galaxy of stars capable of going toe-to-toe with any national team on the planet. It is exactly the kind of shift that makes football predictions for France games more intriguing.
Zidane’s First Statement
Zidane's first squad and press conference set the tone. Kanté and Benzema will not be recalled, no matter the noise, because he considers their time over and will focus on younger players instead. The Hernandez brothers have also been left out, and their international careers appear finished too, especially Theo, who now plays in Saudi Arabia.
Tchouaméni was only omitted because he recently returned from injury, so the biggest surprise is Marcus Thuram, the son of Zidane's former teammate Lilian. Marcus was a regular under Deschamps, but Zidane does not seem convinced, and he will have to do a lot more at Inter to earn his place back. Second-choice goalkeeper Brice Samba has also been dropped for 21-year-old Guillaume Restes.
Eduardo Camavinga has been recalled after missing the World Cup squad, while reigning Ligue 1 golden boot winner Esteban Lepaul has received his first call-up after being ignored by Deschamps. The inclusion of left-backs Adrien Truffert and Andy Diouf also suggest Zidane is making a statement.
Now, to the games. Here is what we expect from France in their four matches during this extended international break, along with our expert betting tips for each one and the best online sports betting markets to explore.
Turkiye vs. France
Zidane's first game in charge takes place in Turkiye, where a typically loud and intimidating crowd will be waiting for the French team. Turkiye may be the weakest side in this Nations League group on paper, but they have enough about them to cause an upset, even after a disastrous World Cup campaign. Arda Güler is in scintillating form and looks to be entering another gear in his development, so the French players will need to stay calm and handle the occasion.
Kylian Mbappé is set to start from the left, based on Zidane's comments in his press conference, which could finally allow Ousmane Dembélé to play through the middle for France the way he does for PSG. That opens up a spot behind Dembélé, with Rayan Cherki and Désiré Doué both in contention.
What to Expect: An open game with France dominating possession. France should take the win, with at least three goals scored between the two sides.
Best Markets: Kylian Mbappé to score anytime, France 2UP, France Win & Over 1.5 goals.
- Bet on Kylian Mbappé to score anytime @ 1.70
- Bet on France 2UP @ 1.46
- Bet on 2 & Over 1.5 Goals @ 1.71
Our bet prediction: France to win 4-1.
Belgium vs. France
Belgium are also ushering in a new coaching era, with Mark van Bommel replacing Rudi Garcia. Van Bommel spent two years working in Belgian football between 2022 and 2024, so he knows the environment, and that familiarity could serve him well. Romelu Lukaku is unlikely to start given his fitness issues, though he could still make an appearance at some stage.
France have had the better of this fixture in recent meetings, beating Belgium twice in the last Nations League campaign, and with the current Belgian side looking weaker than the generation that came before, France seem well positioned to hand Van Bommel his first home defeat as coach.
What to Expect: An end-to-end contest with France carving out the better opportunities. Lukaku's arrival could shift the momentum for a period, but France should still prevail.
Best Markets: France 1UP, Kylian Mbappé to score anytime, France HTUP.
Our bet prediction: France to win 3-1.
France vs. Italy
Italy are still recovering from missing their third consecutive World Cup, and Roberto Mancini has returned for a second spell in charge. He delivered Euro 2020 during his previous stint but then failed to guide them to the 2022 World Cup after a heartbreaking defeat to Macedonia. On paper, this Italian squad does not match up well against a French side brimming with world-class talent in every position.
There is added significance for Zidane here too, because his final game as a player came against Italy and ended in acrimonious circumstances when he was sent off for headbutting Marco Materazzi. This time, in front of home support, he will want a convincing win. Italy beat France 3-1 away in the last Nations League campaign, but France responded with a 3-1 victory of their own in the return fixture.
What to Expect: France controlling possession and dictating the flow, with Italy struggling to keep up.
Best Markets: France 1UP, Kylian Mbappé to score anytime, France Win & Over 1.5 goals.
Our bet prediction: France to win 3-0.
France vs. Belgium
This should be a more comfortable outing for France than their opening game, largely because of the home support behind them. Belgium will look to hit on the counter, leaning on Kevin De Bruyne's ability to pick out passes into space, but France have enough about them to neutralise that threat. Zidane is expected to name his strongest XI once again, with a few minor adjustments.
What to Expect: France dominating possession and proceedings with Belgium on the ropes.
Best Markets: France 1UP, Kylian Mbappé to score anytime, France Win & Over 1.5 goals.
Our bet prediction: France to win 3-1.
Conclusion
The Zidane era begins with a challenging set of fixtures on paper, but France's sheer quality gives them the edge in every one of them. When you factor in Zidane's ability to coach both a scintillating attack and a mean defence, it is easy to understand why the French public are excited to see him get to work with this squad. That combination of world-class talent and a coach who has already proven his excellence at club level, along with the reverence the players have for him, suggests French fans could be in for quite a ride.
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