French Coach Deschamps to Resign After 2026 World Cup

Didier Deschamps, the manager who led France to victory in the 2018 World Cup, has announced that he will step down from his role as head coach after the 2026 World Cup, which will be hosted in North America.

Deschamps made the revelation during an interview with French broadcaster TF1 on Wednesday, confirming that he plans to leave the position following the conclusion of the 2026 tournament. “I have been with the team since 2012, and it is planned that I will continue in this role until 2026,” Deschamps explained. “I’ve served my time with the same energy and passion to keep the French team at the highest level, but by 2026, it will be time for a change.”

Deschamps has been at the helm of the French national team since 2012, taking over from Laurent Blanc. Under his leadership, France has seen considerable success, with the crowning achievement being their 2018 World Cup triumph. This victory made Deschamps only the third person in history to win the prestigious tournament both as a player and a manager, a feat that solidified his place in French football history.

However, Deschamps’ tenure has not been without its challenges. Despite his success in 2018, he faced disappointment in two major finals following that victory. In 2016, he guided France to the Euro final, but they were defeated by Portugal in a heartbreaking match. Similarly, in the 2022 World Cup final, Deschamps’ team fell short once again, losing to Argentina in a thrilling encounter that ended in penalty kicks. Despite these setbacks, Deschamps has consistently kept the French team competitive on the international stage, solidifying his reputation as one of the top managers in world football.

As a player, Deschamps was also a key figure for the French national team, captaining them to their first World Cup title in 1998 when France hosted the tournament. His leadership both on and off the field has earned him respect and admiration from fans and players alike.

Having served as France’s head coach for over a decade, Deschamps has set the record for the longest tenure in the country’s history. His influence on French football has been immense, with many crediting his ability to blend the country’s experienced players with up-and-coming talents. Under his stewardship, France has consistently been a top contender in international tournaments, maintaining their position among the elite teams in world football.

Deschamps’ decision to step down after the 2026 World Cup marks the conclusion of a remarkable chapter in French football. Reports indicate that he will make a formal announcement regarding his departure in an interview with Brigitte Macron on French television in the coming days.

The 2026 World Cup, which will be co-hosted by the United States, Mexico, and Canada, will be Deschamps’ final opportunity to lead France in what will be his fourth World Cup campaign as a manager. The team will enter the tournament with high expectations, given their strong performances in recent years. Deschamps has already led France to the final of the 2022 World Cup, where they finished as runners-up, and they will look to build on that success in 2026.

Before the 2026 World Cup qualifiers officially kick off, France will play a key Nations League quarter-final match against Croatia in March. This will be an important test for Deschamps’ team as they look to continue their competitive form and build towards the next World Cup. France won the Nations League under Deschamps in 2021, and they will be eager to defend their title as they prepare for the next major international tournaments.

While his departure after 2026 will bring an end to an era, Didier Deschamps’ legacy as one of the most successful and respected managers in French football history is already firmly established.