Deschamps, who led France to World Cup triumph in 2018, will stand down after the 2026 tournament.
Didier Deschamps, who has been manager of the France National Team since 2012, will step down after the 2026 World Cup in the United States.
Didier Deschamps changed the football fortunes of France after his appointment following the country’s lackluster Euro 2012 performance. During his tenure, France finished second in Euro 2016 and the 2022 World Cup, won the 2018 World Cup, and took home the 2021 UEFA Nations League trophy.
Deschamps recently stated in an interview with the French television network TF1 that he would resign following the 2026 World Cup. “It will end in 2026. It’s pretty obvious in my mind. 2026 is a nice moment to stop, but I’ve done my time with the same drive and enthusiasm to keep France at the top,” he said. “One must know when to give up. After this, there is life. The most important thing is that France stays at the top, as They have been for a long time.
Deschamps, who won the World Cup in 1998 as a player, carried his leadership skills to coaching after making a strong start at the 2014 tournament. When he led France to a 4-2 victory over Croatia in the World Cup final in 2018, it was his defining moment. Deschamps became the most successful and longest-serving coach in French football history during his tenure, amassing 105 victories in 165 games.
Deschamps also fostered strong relationships with his players. Star forward Kylian Mbappé remarked on their friendship, stating, “I owe him everything. I was summoned up by him, and we have never been apart since. It is a lovely partnership.
But he has faced difficulties in his later years. France’s increased attention has resulted from a dismal Euro 2024 campaign and conflicts involving important players like Kylian Mbappé and Antoine Griezmann. Deschamps’ decision to resign, however, seems to have been well thought out.Zinedine Zidane, a 1998 World Cup winner and former Real Madrid coach, has shown interest in coaching the national team as speculation mounts over his successor. Zidane had remarkable success at Madrid, winning three straight Champions League titles from 2016 to 2018, but he has been out of a coaching position since May 2021. French Football Federation president Philippe Diallo has downplayed succession talks, saying, “I won’t get into that debate [on Zidane]. Didier has a two-year contract, and out of respect for him, his staff, and the players, the question of his succession does not arise today.” Prior to his departure, Deschamps will captain France in the UEFA Nations League quarterfinals against Croatia in March 2025 and manage the team’s quest for the 2026 World Cup. A coaching career that has had a lasting impact on French football will come to an end with these final trials.
The influence Deschamps has had on French football goes beyond his honors. His remarkable leadership and vision were demonstrated by his ability to rebuild the national squad following a tumultuous time characterized by internal conflict and poor results. He transformed a group of gifted people into a unified and resilient force on the international scene by encouraging discipline and solidarity.
Players like Kylian Mbappé, Antoine Griezmann, Paul Pogba, and N’Golo Kanté thrived under his leadership, becoming well-known and essential to France’s triumph. France’s status as a football powerhouse was cemented by his tactical flexibility and emphasis on collaboration, which kept them competitive in every tournament.
Going forward, the French Football Federation will face a crucial transitional time after Deschamps’ departure. Zidane is a serious candidate for the position, but his Deschamps’ final tasks—leading France in the UEFA Nations League quarterfinals and guiding the team through the 2026 World Cup qualification—will be closely watched as pivotal moments of his illustrious career, but his legacy is already well established; he has not only delivered historic triumphs but also inspired a generation of players and fans, leaving French football in a stronger position than when he took over. As his time as head coach draws to a close, Deschamps will undoubtedly be remembered as one of the greatest figures in French football history.establish a high bar that will be used as a guide for upcoming generations. Even though Deschamps’ career may be coming to an end, his legacy will live on as a testament to his perseverance, passion, and achievement.
