Zidane Names First France Squad Amid Unprecedented Security Measures

Zinedine Zidane has begun his France reign with his first squad announcement and an unusual level of personal protection, as the 1998 World Cup winner prepares for four matches in little more than a fortnight.

Key takeaways

• Zidane was appointed France head coach after the 2026 World Cup and named his first official group last Friday.
• The French Football Federation has arranged a dedicated security operation, including a personal bodyguard and a security agent attached to his staff.
• The protection plan is more extensive than the arrangements in place for Didier Deschamps.
• France open Zidane’s tenure against Turkey on September 25.
• Les Bleus will also meet Belgium twice, on September 28 and October 5, with Italy scheduled for October 2.

Special security measures for France coach

Zidane’s return to the national-team setup has brought heightened attention beyond the pitch. France’s new manager will be accompanied by a specialist protection team designed to manage the demand surrounding one of the country’s most recognisable sporting figures.

His arrangements include both an individual bodyguard and a dedicated security representative, who was presented within Zidane’s backroom structure last month. The measures are distinct from those afforded to Deschamps and represent an unprecedented setup for a France coach.

The scale of the operation reflects Zidane’s standing in France, where he has remained a national icon since helping the country win its first World Cup in 1998. His profile has long required careful planning around public appearances and travel, while the security level is comparable to the close protection used for leading players such as Kylian Mbappe at major tournaments.

Federation officials want the four-year appointment to proceed without avoidable disruption, but there is no desire within the camp to treat the situation as a cause for alarm. The additional protection is intended as a practical response to Zidane’s popularity rather than a sign of tension around the squad.

Turkey first as packed schedule awaits

With the off-field arrangements in place, Zidane can turn to his first tests as an international manager. France begin the new era against Turkey on September 25 before facing Belgium three days later.

The team then meet Italy on October 2, ahead of a second encounter with Belgium on October 5. The demanding sequence gives Zidane four fixtures across a tight two-week period and an immediate opportunity to establish his direction with the side.

Having delivered France’s defining success as a player and gone on to manage Real Madrid, Zidane now starts a new chapter with the national team, seeking an opening run that can match the impact of his earlier achievements.