French football fans have received exciting news as Didier Deschamps confirmed that Kylian Mbappe will be back in the national squad for the Nations League quarter-final matches against Croatia in March. After being absent from France’s October and November international fixtures, Mbappe’s return is set to strengthen Les Bleus as they prepare for a crucial stage in the competition.
Meanwhile, Deschamps also addressed the growing speculation regarding Zinedine Zidane’s potential appointment as France’s next head coach when he steps down after the 2026 World Cup.
Mbappe Set to Rejoin France for Nations League Clashes Against Croatia
Deschamps, speaking to French outlet L’Équipe, confirmed that Mbappe would be part of the squad for the two-legged Nations League quarter-final against Croatia. The France captain had been left out of previous international call-ups, which led to speculation about his future with the national team.
However, Deschamps dismissed any doubts, stating: “Of course, he’ll be there. Why wouldn’t he be?” The coach acknowledged that Mbappe’s absence in the last two international windows was due to specific reasons but reassured fans that if the forward remains injury-free, he will feature in the squad come March.
“He is very attached to the French team, even if he has had a complicated personal period. He’s back to full fitness, and you can see that in his game, and in his head too,” Deschamps added.
Mbappe’s Recent Struggles and Adaptation to Real Madrid
Mbappe’s transition from Paris Saint-Germain to Real Madrid has not been without challenges. After spending years as PSG’s talisman, his move to Spain marked a significant career shift. Deschamps shed light on the factors that contributed to Mbappe’s absence from the national squad in late 2024.
“Few holidays, little preparation, six complicated months in Paris, back pain, a broken nose at the Euros—these things obviously have athletic and psychological consequences, not to mention his adjustment to Madrid,” the French manager explained.
Mbappe, who played a record-breaking 84 consecutive matches for France between 2017 and 2024, faced scrutiny over his commitment to the national team, especially after France’s disappointing Euro 2024 campaign. However, Deschamps emphasized that the forward’s integration into Real Madrid and his physical recovery played a major role in his temporary exclusion from the squad.
“It took some time, but it fell into place because he did everything necessary,” Deschamps noted.
The France manager also reaffirmed Mbappe’s leadership within the squad, stating that while discussions about the captaincy would continue, there was no reason to suggest a change in leadership.
“There have always been internal discussions, individual or collective. And [the previous international break] does not call into question his leadership. I have no reason today to say that he will not be captain in March. But I will discuss it with him, as we often do,” he added.
France’s Nations League Quarter-Final Against Croatia
The French squad will travel to Croatia for the first leg of their Nations League quarter-final on March 20. Just three days later, they will return to Paris to host Zlatko Dalic’s side at the Stade de France.
With Mbappe back in the squad, France will be aiming for a strong performance to secure a place in the semi-finals. Les Bleus will be looking to bounce back after an underwhelming Euro 2024 campaign, and having their star forward in top form will be crucial to their success.
Didier Deschamps on Zinedine Zidane’s Potential Appointment as France’s Next Manager
As Deschamps prepares to step down from his role as France head coach after the 2026 World Cup, speculation about his successor has been mounting. One name that continues to dominate discussions is former France legend Zinedine Zidane.
Reports suggest that Zidane is the leading candidate to take over the French national team, but Deschamps remained cautious when addressing the rumors.
“The last time we saw each other was in the summer of 2023, and we are set to meet again next summer. We have great respect for one another,” Deschamps said of his former international teammate.
While he acknowledged Zidane as an excellent candidate for the position, he also suggested that the former Real Madrid manager’s interest in the job remains uncertain.
“Zidane is an excellent candidate for the role of coach of the French national team, a natural choice, and I would add, a predictable one. But I am not sure if he would want it,” Deschamps remarked.
Zidane’s Coaching Credentials and Potential Impact on France
If Zidane does take over as France’s head coach, he would bring an impressive managerial record to the role. The former Ballon d’Or winner led Real Madrid to three consecutive UEFA Champions League titles between 2016 and 2018, as well as two La Liga crowns. His ability to manage high-profile players and deliver success on the biggest stage makes him a strong candidate for the national team job.
Zidane has long been linked to the France position, with many believing he has been waiting for the right moment to step into international management. However, whether he is eager to take on the challenge remains to be seen.
His appointment would likely signal a fresh tactical approach for Les Bleus, with Zidane’s emphasis on technical excellence and fluid attacking play. Given his strong ties to French football and his legendary status within the national team, he would undoubtedly be a popular choice among both players and supporters.
Looking Ahead: The Future of France’s National Team
As France prepares for the Nations League quarter-finals, the return of Kylian Mbappe provides a major boost. With Didier Deschamps still at the helm, the team will be looking to reclaim their dominance on the international stage.
Meanwhile, the prospect of Zinedine Zidane taking over as head coach post-2026 adds another layer of intrigue to the future of French football. Whether Zidane ultimately decides to step into the role remains uncertain, but there is no doubt that his appointment would be met with great anticipation.
For now, France’s focus remains on the upcoming clash with Croatia, with Deschamps and Mbappe ready to lead the charge. As the team gears up for another international campaign, all eyes will be on how Les Bleus perform and whether they can return to their winning ways.
