Didier Deschamps Bids Farewell with 2026 World Cup
- infotrustmebro
- Jan 8
- 2 min read
After over a decade of steering the French national team to success, Didier Deschamps has announced that his tenure as head coach will end after the 2026 World Cup. The decision marks the conclusion of an era that brought France to the pinnacle of international football.
“In 2026, it will be over,” Deschamps revealed in an interview with TF1. “I’ve done my time, with the same desire and passion to keep France at the highest level, but there comes a moment to say stop. There’s life after this, and though I don’t know what it will bring, it will be good.”
Deschamps, who took over from Laurent Blanc in 2012, cemented his legacy by leading France to their second World Cup victory in 2018, adding to his own win as a player in 1998. His leadership also guided Les Bleus to the Euro 2016 final, the Nations League title in 2021, and the dramatic 2022 World Cup final, where they narrowly lost to Argentina in a penalty shootout.
“Records don’t matter as much as the demands,” Deschamps emphasized. “What’s most important is that the French team continues to shine, as it has for many years.”
The 2026 World Cup, hosted by the USA, Canada, and Mexico, will be the first expanded to include 48 teams. Deschamps aims to keep France at the top until his final day, leaving behind a squad rich with talent and potential.
As speculation swirls over his successor, Zinedine Zidane has emerged as the frontrunner. The former Real Madrid manager and 1998 World Cup hero has expressed interest in taking the reins of the national team. Known for leading Madrid to three consecutive Champions League titles, Zidane has been without a coaching role since 2021.
The president of the French Football Federation, Philippe Diallo, however, urged patience. “Didier has a two-year contract, and out of respect for him, his staff, and the players, the question of his succession does not arise today,” Diallo told L’Équipe.
For now, Deschamps remains focused on his mission: to deliver another unforgettable chapter for France at the 2026 World Cup. But as one era nears its end, the anticipation of what - and who - comes next is already stirring excitement across the footballing world.
Comments