Didier Deschamps is leaving his role as head coach of the French national team following Les Bleus' exit from the 2026 World Cup. The 57-year-old's hopes of winning a third World Cup—having won as a player in 1998 and as a manager in 2018—were dashed after a 2-0 defeat to Spain in Tuesday's first semi-final.
Deschamps' departure confirmed
Deschamps had already confirmed in January 2025 that he would step down after this summer's tournament. His farewell match will be against the losers of the England versus Argentina semi-final, scheduled for Saturday, July 18 in Miami.
Speaking in his post-match news conference, Deschamps said: "It's not time to talk about the future. It is not important on a personal level whether I leave a competition in a semi-final or final. I am extremely happy. I am very proud of everything we've done to reach this stage and to win a World Cup - to take the French team to the highest level. I have been lucky as a player. I have enjoyed happy moments. Today is not such a moment. We must accept it without forgetting everything we experienced."
Deschamps' legacy
Deschamps is one of only three people to win the World Cup as both a player and a manager, alongside Brazil's Mario Zagallo and West Germany's Franz Beckenbauer. He took over as France manager after Euro 2012 and led the team through seven major tournaments: the 2014 World Cup (quarterfinals), Euro 2016 (runners-up), the 2018 World Cup (champions), Euro 2020 (round of 16), the 2022 World Cup (runners-up), Euro 2024 (semifinals), and the 2026 World Cup (semifinals).
As a player, Deschamps earned 103 caps for France from 1989 to 2000, retiring after captaining the team to victory at Euro 2000.
Zidane set to take over
Former France teammate Zinedine Zidane is expected to succeed Deschamps as head coach of the French men's national team, according to reports.
