Didier Deschamps will go down as the greatest coach of all time in France despite being kicked out of the World Cup at the hands of Spain on Tuesday.
Deschamps won the World Cup as a player in 1998 before succeeding with Les Bleus as a manager 20 years later.
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He made history in his career and almost returned to the tournament in 2022, losing to Argentina in the final.
But this year’s semi-final exit means that Deschamps has just one game left in charge of France as the 57-year-old has decided to step down from his position…
Is Didier Deschamps leaving France?
After 14 years in charge of France and becoming their longest-serving manager, Deschamps will leave after Saturday’s third-place play-off.
He disclosed this news on TF1 in January 2025 and said: “I did not come to make an announcement, but it will be 2026.
“I have been here since 2012, I am scheduled for 2026, the next World Cup. It will end there because it has to stop there at some point. It is very clear in my head.
“I do my time with the same desire, the same interest to keep the French team at the highest level.
“We never want a good thing to end there. After that, we have to know how to stop it.
“There is life behind. I don’t know what it will be but it will be very good. It will be 14 years, a long time too.
“I did not come for records, especially for needs. The most important thing is that the French team is sitting at the top where it has been for many years.”
Deschamps has come out and clarified that he will not resign from management, he will be found in new places.
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France 2026 World Cup results
Group I
France 3-1 Senegal
France 3-0 Iraq
Norway 1-4 France
Last 32
France 3-0 Sweden
Last 16
Paraguay 0-1 France
Quarter-final
France 2-0 Morocco
Semi-finalist
France 0-2 Spain
Who will take over from Deschamps?
France will look for their first new manager since 2012 after Deschamps left following the World Cup.
But they will definitely be happy with their next boss…
Zinedine Zidane has been widely reported to have reached a verbal agreement with the French Football Federation (FFF).
The midfielder is expected to take over from Deschamps, five years after his last managerial role.
Since leaving Real Madrid in 2021, Zidane has never had another job, but he revealed his dream of leading the national team last year.
He said: “I would like to be the coach of the French national team one day.”
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And it looks like he will be achieving that goal if Deschamps steps down after the World Cup.
If it is Zidane who finally steps into Deschamps’ shoes, he will be given the job of leading France in the Nations League campaign in September.
Les Bleus have been drawn with Belgium, Italy and Turkey as they look to lift the trophy for the second time after achieving success in the 2020/21 season.
Zidane will once again be ashamed of his wealth when it comes to his team’s struggles.
Kylian Mbappe is likely to continue as France captain with Ballon d’Or winner Ousmane Dembele by his side.
The appearance of Desire Doue, Bradley Barcola, Michael Olise and Manu Kone in the World Cup will no doubt please the incoming coach ahead of the upcoming international competitions.
And with added prospects such as PSG-bound Maghnes Akliouche, top-flight Lens goalkeeper Robin Risser and Manchester City’s Rayan Cherki, the future is bright for France.
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