Didier Deschamps, the man behind France’s triumphs on both the playing field and the touchline, has confirmed that he will step down as manager of the national team after the 2026 World Cup.
The 56-year-old coach, who has been at the helm since 2012, has steered Les Bleus through some of the most defining moments in French football history, including lifting the 2018 World Cup and reaching the final in Qatar in 2022. With his decision to exit after the next tournament, France will be on the lookout for his successor, with Zinedine Zidane emerging as a strong contender.
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A Legacy of Triumphs and Near Misses
Deschamps’ tenure with the French national team has been nothing short of extraordinary. Over the years, he has solidified his legacy as one of the most successful managers in international football. Deschamps’ decision to announce his retirement post-2026 shows a man who is deeply in touch with the needs of his nation and his personal ambition.
“In 2026 it will be over. In my head it’s very clear,” Deschamps told French broadcaster TF1. The manager’s clarity on his future underlines the depth of his commitment and his understanding of when it’s time to step away from the role.
“I’ve done my time, with the same desire and passion to maintain France at the highest level,” Deschamps added, emphasizing his dedication to preserving the national team’s stature in world football. However, his comments also reveal a significant realization: “One has to be able to say stop, there’s a life after this.”
Stepping Down with Pride and Purpose
Deschamps’ time as the head coach of France has been filled with remarkable successes. As the nation’s longest-serving manager, he led the French team to the pinnacle of football at the 2018 World Cup in Russia, where they defeated Croatia 4-2 to claim their second World Cup title. His ability to rebuild and evolve the team after France’s defeat in the 2016 European Championship final against Portugal showcased his tactical acumen and resilience.
He became one of only three individuals—alongside Mario Zagallo and Franz Beckenbauer—to win the World Cup as both a player and a manager. As a player, Deschamps captained France to victory in 1998, when the tournament was held on home soil. His dual World Cup victories place him in an elite class, and his leadership from the sidelines in 2018 cemented his place as one of the finest tacticians in modern football.
The Road to 2026: France’s Final Push Under Deschamps
As Deschamps prepares for his final World Cup campaign in 2026, France’s journey toward qualification continues. They are yet to begin their qualification campaign for the tournament, with their group placement depending on the outcome of their Nations League quarter-final against Croatia in March. Despite the challenges ahead, Deschamps’ leadership will remain crucial in ensuring that France enters the 2026 World Cup with the same competitive edge that has been a hallmark of his tenure.
The 2026 tournament, set to be co-hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico, will be the final chapter in Deschamps’ extraordinary journey with the national team. His exit will mark the end of a significant era in French football, but his impact will resonate for years to come.
From Player to Manager: Deschamps’ Incredible Career
Deschamps’ rise in football is equally impressive as both a player and a manager. Before taking the reins of the French national team, he had successful spells with top clubs including Monaco, Juventus, and Marseille, winning multiple trophies across Europe. His pedigree as a player is highlighted by his 14 major honors, including Champions League titles with Marseille and Juventus. He also captained France to victory in the 1998 World Cup and Euro 2000, securing his place as one of the greats in football history.
His transition into management was seamless. After a successful stint with Monaco, he took charge of the French national team in 2012, following Laurent Blanc’s departure. In his first major tournament in charge, Deschamps led France to the quarter-finals of the 2014 World Cup in Brazil, where they were narrowly defeated by Germany. This marked the beginning of his transformation of the national team into one of the most formidable sides in the world.
The Future: Zidane as Deschamps’ Successor?
With Deschamps’ impending departure, the French media and football pundits are already speculating about his successor. Zinedine Zidane, the legendary former player and manager, has emerged as the overwhelming favorite to take over the role. Zidane’s connection to French football is undeniable, having led Real Madrid to multiple Champions League titles and having played an integral role in France’s 1998 World Cup victory.
While Zidane’s managerial experience at the highest level speaks for itself, his potential to lead France post-Deschamps remains a topic of intense discussion. The French press has consistently linked him to the role, and his popularity among the players and fans makes him an ideal candidate to continue France’s legacy of success..
As Didier Deschamps prepares to step down after the 2026 World Cup, the footballing world looks back on his incredible journey with respect and admiration. His accomplishments, both as a player and manager, have firmly placed him in the pantheon of footballing legends. Whether or not France will manage to lift the trophy once again under his guidance remains to be seen, but one thing is certain: Deschamps’ legacy will remain intact long after his final whistle as manager. The future of French football is uncertain without him, but his influence will undoubtedly shape the next chapter for Les Bleus.
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FAQs
Why is Didier Deschamps stepping down as France manager?
Didier Deschamps announced he will step down as the French national team manager after the 2026 World Cup, citing his desire to move on after a successful tenure and to allow fresh leadership for future success.
How long has Didier Deschamps been the manager of France?
Deschamps has been in charge of France since 2012, making him the longest-serving manager in the nation’s history.
What major tournaments did Deschamps lead France to?
Under Deschamps, France won the 2018 World Cup, reached the final in 2022, and finished as runners-up in Euro 2016, among other significant achievements.
Who could replace Didier Deschamps as France manager?
Zinedine Zidane is widely regarded as the favorite to replace Deschamps as the French national team manager after his departure in 2026.
What is Didier Deschamps’ legacy as a player and manager?
Deschamps is one of only three individuals to win the World Cup both as a player (1998) and manager (2018), and he’s celebrated for his leadership and tactical brilliance in French football.
