Didier Deschamps will bring an end to his 14-year spell as France head coach after Saturday’s FIFA World Cup 2026 third-place play-off against England, marking the close of one of the most successful managerial eras in French football.
The 57-year-old had hoped to end his tenure by lifting a third World Cup trophy for France, but Les Bleus’ dream was ended by Spain, who secured a 2-0 victory in the semi-finals to book a place in the final against Argentina.
Speaking ahead of his final match in charge, Deschamps reflected on his journey with pride, saying he had experienced unforgettable highs and difficult moments during his time with the national team but remained grateful for the opportunity to lead France.
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Appointed in 2012, Deschamps transformed the French national team into one of world football’s dominant forces. He guided France to the 2018 FIFA World Cup title in Russia, becoming only the third person to win the competition both as a player and as a coach, having captained the victorious 1998 French side.
His reign also included a runners-up finish at Euro 2016, defeat to Argentina in the 2022 World Cup final after a dramatic penalty shootout, and another deep World Cup run in 2026.
Despite criticism in previous years over France’s cautious style of play, Deschamps reshaped the team into a more attacking side during the 2026 tournament, allowing stars such as Kylian Mbappe, Ousmane Dembele and Michael Olise greater freedom in attack.
His World Cup campaign was also marked by personal tragedy after the death of his mother, forcing him to briefly leave the team to attend her funeral before returning to the tournament.
Deschamps will leave as France’s longest-serving World Cup coach, overseeing 27 matches at the tournament.
Former France captain and Real Madrid legend Zinedine Zidane is widely expected to succeed him. Zidane, who has been without a coaching role since leaving Real Madrid in 2021, has long been linked with the France job and has previously described managing the national team as a lifelong ambition.
If confirmed, Zidane will inherit a talented squad and the responsibility of building on the foundations laid by one of France’s greatest coaches.
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