Didier Deschamps, the long-serving head coach of the French national football team, is set to step down from his role after the 2026 World Cup, according to a source close to the team.
The 56-year-old manager, who has enjoyed significant success with Les Bleus, will bring an end to his tenure following the global tournament in the United States, Mexico, and Canada.
Deschamps, who has been at the helm since 2012, has overseen a remarkable era in French football. He guided France to victory in the 2018 World Cup, a feat that cemented his place in the annals of football history.
In doing so, he became only the third individual to win the prestigious tournament both as a player and a manager, joining an exclusive club that includes Brazil’s Mário Zagallo and Germany’s Franz Beckenbauer.
In addition to his World Cup triumph, Deschamps has led France to two other major finals during his tenure, including the Euro 2016 final, where they were narrowly defeated by Portugal.
His second major final appearance came in 2022, when France lost to Argentina in a thrilling World Cup showdown. Despite the heartbreak, Deschamps’ achievements have solidified his reputation as one of the most successful managers in French football history.
Deschamps’ decision to leave the national team after the 2026 World Cup will mark the conclusion of a highly decorated managerial career.
His time with Les Bleus will also be remembered for his leadership in guiding the team to the top of European football, including victory in the 2021 Nations League, a tournament that further underlined his tactical prowess and ability to inspire his players.
The coach’s legacy is built on more than just titles. Deschamps’ calm, disciplined approach to management and his deep connection with French football have been key elements of his success.
He is the longest-serving official coach of France, and his involvement with the team dates back to his days as a player, where he captained France to victory in the 1998 World Cup on home soil.
Deschamps’ decision to step down after the 2026 World Cup comes at a time when European qualifying for the tournament is set to begin later this year.
France’s first match in the 2026 qualifying campaign will see them face Croatia in March, in a quarter-final clash of the Nations League, a competition Deschamps’ team won in 2021.
His departure will undoubtedly spark speculation about his successor, with a host of names likely to emerge as potential candidates to fill his shoes.
The announcement of his decision to leave the national team will be made public in an exclusive interview with French first lady Brigitte Macron, scheduled to air on French television Wednesday.
This interview will likely provide further insight into Deschamps’ decision to bring his time with Les Bleus to a close, as well as his reflections on his remarkable career.
As Deschamps prepares to guide France through the final stages of his tenure, his legacy as one of the most successful and respected managers in international football will undoubtedly be remembered by fans and pundits alike.
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