New Delhi, July 19 -- PARIS - Zinedine Zidane will become France's head coach on September 1, replacing Didier Deschamps whose 14-year tenure closed Saturday with a 6-4 defeat to England in the World Cup third-place playoff in Miami, the French sports daily L'Equipe reported, citing sources inside the French Football Federation. The FFF is expected to formally confirm the appointment before the end of July.

Zidane, 54, had previously declined the France role twice. According to Euronews, terms are now agreed and his long-time assistant David Bettoni has already begun preparation work ahead of the September start. Federation president Philippe Diallo confirmed an announcement will come before month's end but had not yet named Zidane publi...