French national team coach Zinedine Zidane conducted his first training session with Les Bleus on Monday, September 21, 2026, at the Clairefontaine national football centre. The session was attended by about 50 journalists and featured a dozen players, including Michael Olise, Eduardo Camavinga, Jules Kounde, and Dayot Upamecano. Zidane was assisted by David Bettoni and goalkeeping coach Fabien Barthez. The training session was light, with a short practice match and shots on goal from crosses delivered by Zidane himself.
Not all of Zidane's 23-man squad were present, as many players were in action with their clubs across Europe the previous weekend. Captain Kylian Mbappe, who played in Real Madrid's derby loss to Atletico Madrid on Sunday, was a notable absentee. Zidane's first training camp as France coach will be followed by four Nations League fixtures: away matches in Turkey and Belgium on September 25 and 28, and home matches against Italy and Belgium at the Stade de France in early October.
Zidane's appointment as France coach was met with excitement, with star player Kylian Mbappe describing it as "like a film". The 1998 World Cup winner has a significant task ahead, as he looks to build on the team's previous successes. Zidane's experience as a player and coach, including his stint at Real Madrid, is expected to bring a new dynamic to the team.
The training session was a significant milestone for Zidane, who has expressed his enthusiasm for the role. In a recent statement, he said it was the "only job I wanted". The French team's new coach has a busy schedule ahead, with several key matches in the Nations League. Fans will be eager to see how the team performs under his leadership.
France's Nations League campaign will be a crucial test for Zidane and his team. The team's fixtures against Turkey, Belgium, and Italy will provide valuable insights into their preparation and strategy. Zidane's ability to motivate and inspire his players will be crucial in achieving success in these matches.
The French team's training camp at Clairefontaine is a key part of their preparation for the upcoming matches. The centre provides state-of-the-art facilities and a focused environment for the players to train and prepare. Zidane's use of the centre demonstrates his commitment to building a strong team culture and preparing his players for the challenges ahead.
As Zidane continues to build his team, fans will be watching with interest. The team's performance in the Nations League will be a key indicator of their progress and potential for future success. With a talented squad and experienced coach, France will be looking to make a strong impression in the competition.
Key points
- Zidane leads first France training session as Les Bleus prepare for new Nations League campaign
- Not all of Zidane's 23-man squad were present, including captain Kylian Mbappe
- France face four Nations League fixtures in the coming weeks, including matches against Turkey, Belgium, and Italy
