- The French Federation Football (FFF) has confirmed that Deschamps will step down as head coach of the national team in 2026
- Deschamps’ future has been a topic of discussion since France lost to Spain in the semi-final of the European Championship last year
The French Federation Football (FFF) has confirmed that Didier Deschamps will step down as head coach of the national team in 2026.
Deschamps, whose contract expires in 2026, has opted not to sign a new deal. The 56-year-old is France’s longest-serving head coach, having been in charge since 2012 when he took over from former teammate Laurent Blanc.
Deschamps led France to the 2014 World Cup in Brazil where they lost in the last eight to eventual champions Germany. Two years later, he guided the team to the final of the European Championship on home soil where they were beaten by Portugal in extra time.
Deschamps became a national hero in 2018 when he led France to World Cup triumph in Moscow, Russia. This marked the second time that the Les Blues had won the prestigious trophy. Interestingly, he was the captain when his country won the World Cup for the first time in 1998.
Didier Deschamps. Photo/ Agora RN.
Deschamps’ heroics continued in 2021 when he led France to victory in the UEFA Nations League. The following year, Les Blues reached the final of the World Cup for a second consecutive time but lost to Lionel Messi’s Argentina in penalty shoot-outs after a thrilling 3-3 in what is considered by many as one of the best matches in history.
With just one year left before the 2026 World Cup tournament kicks off, Deschamps has revealed that he will not be in charge of the France national team past the event.
“In 2026 it will be over. In my head it’s very clear. I’ve done my time, with the same desire and passion to maintain France at the highest level. One has to be able to say stop, there’s a life after this. The most important is for France to stay at the top as they have been for many years.” Deschamps told French broadcaster TF1, according to BBC.
Didier Deschamps’ future has been a topic of discussion since France lost to Spain in the semi-final of the European Championship last year. Even though he remained at the helm, there were calls for his resignation.
Deschamps will now be in charge of the national team until the 2026 FIFA World Cup in the United States, Mexico and Canada. If Les Blues qualifies for the tournament, it will be his fourth World Cup in charge of the national team.
The former midfielder still has a chance to make history with France by clinching another Nations League title this year. His side will face Croatia in the quarter-final stage in March.
As of now, it has not been announced who will replace him but Zinedine Zidane is undoubtedly the heavy favourite for the job. Zidane has previously showed interest in becoming France’s coach and is an ideal option considering his experience.
The 52-year-old, who played with Deschamps at Les Blues, had an amazing career playing at club level for the likes of Juventus and Real Madrid. After ending his playing career, the former France international transitioned into coaching and reached greater heights with La Liga side Real Madrid. He was the Los Blancos manager when they won three consecutive UEFA Champions League titles from 2016 to 2018.
Zinedine Zidane is the leading favourite to replace Deschamps. Photo/ Sports Illustrated.
Didier Deschamps Coaching Career
As a player, Deschamps was one of the best midfielders of his generation. Nicknamed “the water-carrier” by former teammate Eric Cantona, Deschamps was an intelligent player. He spent his playing career at teams such as Nantes, Marseille, Juventus, Chelsea and Valencia. Some of the titles he won include Ligue 1, Serie A, FA Cup and UEFA Champions League.
Deschamps continued to show brilliance after transitioning into coaching as he won titles with all clubs he managed. His coaching career began at Monaco, with whom he won Coupe de la Ligue. He then had a spell at Juventus, winning the Serie B. The last club he managed was Marseille, guiding them to one Ligue 1 title, three consecutive Coupe de la Ligue and two Trophee des Champions.
On July 8, 2012, Deschamps was appointed as head coach of the France national team following the retirement of Laurent Blanc. Over the years, he has achieved great success with the Les Blues making him one of the greatest managers of all time.
