The manager of France’s national football team, Didier Deschamps, has announced his intention to step down following the upcoming World Cup in 2026, which will be held in the United States, Canada, and Mexico.
Didier Deschamps, 56, stands as France’s longest-serving coach, having taken the helm in 2012. His tenure has been marked by remarkable achievements, including guiding Les Bleus to victory at the 2018 World Cup in Russia and leading the team to the finals of the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, as well as the Euro 2016 championship on home soil.
Deschamps shared his thoughts in an interview with French broadcaster TF1, stating, “In 2026 it will be over. In my head, it’s very clear. I’ve fulfilled my role with the same passion and desire to keep France at the highest level. It is important to recognize when it is time to move on, as there is life beyond this.”
Looking ahead, France are yet to start their qualifying campaign for the 2026 World Cup, with the outcome of their Nations League quarter-final against Croatia in March determining their group placement.
Deschamps has distinguished himself by becoming only the third individual to win the World Cup both as a player and a manager, following in the footsteps of Mario Zagallo and Franz Beckenbauer. He captained the French team to victory in the 1998 World Cup.
Taking the reins after France’s quarter-final exit from Euro 2012, Deschamps successfully led the team to qualification for the 2014 World Cup in Brazil, where they reached the quarter-finals. His leadership brought the team to the final of Euro 2016, where they faced a challenging loss to Portugal in extra time.
His pinnacle moment came in 2018 when France claimed their second World Cup title with a 4-2 victory over Croatia in Moscow. Building on this success, he led the team to a Nations League title in 2021 and another thrilling run to the World Cup final in Qatar, where they were edged out by Argentina in a dramatic penalty shootout after a 3-3 draw.
Before his role as national team coach, Deschamps managed several prominent clubs, including Monaco, Juventus, and Marseille, earning trophies with each. His playing career was equally impressive, marked by 14 major honors, including Champions League titles with both Marseille and Juventus, as well as an FA Cup with Chelsea.
He earned 103 caps for France and captained the national side to victory in the 1998 World Cup and Euro 2000.