France’s national team head coach, Didier Deschamps, is set to step down from his position after the 2026 World Cup, as per a source close to the team. Deschamps has been at the helm since 2012 and led Les Bleus to World Cup victory in 2018, solidifying his legacy as a successful coach.
Deschamps, who had previously won the World Cup as a player and captain in 1998, became part of an exclusive group of individuals who achieved the feat both on and off the field. His coaching accolades include guiding France to victory in the 2021 Nations League and securing runner-up finishes at Euro 2016 and the 2022 World Cup.
The 56-year-old Deschamps is currently the longest-serving head coach in France’s history. It is reported that he will make an official announcement regarding his decision to step down in a televised interview with Brigitte Macron scheduled for Wednesday.
The 2026 World Cup, to be jointly hosted by the US, Mexico, and Canada, will serve as the conclusion of Deschamps’ contract. In the meantime, France is gearing up for their European qualifiers later this year and is set to face Croatia in the Nations League quarter-finals in March.
Deschamps’ impending departure marks the end of an era for French football, with fans and players alike sure to feel the impact of his absence. As one of the most successful coaches in French football history, Deschamps leaves behind a lasting legacy that will be remembered for years to come.
