Didier Deschamps intends to step down as head coach of the France national team after the 2026 World Cup. The French Football Federation (FFF) confirmed the news on Tuesday in a statement shared with Reuters.
Deschamps’ current contract expires after the upcoming World Cup, which will be played in the United States, Canada, and Mexico. According to FFF president Philippe Diallo, Deschamps doesn’t wish to sign an extension and has decided to move on.
“He will go until the end of his contract, i.e. 2026,” Diallo told Reuters.
As a player, Didier Deschamps made 103 appearances for the France national team and captained his country to a FIFA World Cup win in 1998 and a UEFA European Championship win in 2000. He spent the majority of his club career with Marseille and Juventus.
After retiring, Deschamps coached Monaco, Juventus, and Marseille before taking over France in 2012. At the time, the national team was coming off a series of disappointing performances at big tournaments, including a group stage exit at the 2010 World Cup and a Quarter-final exit at the 2012 Euro.
Deschamps rebuilt the national team and re-established it as a powerhouse on the international stage. Under him, France won the 2018 World Cup, making him only the third person in history to win the tournament both as a coach and manager. Additionally, he reached the Finals at the 2016 EURO and 2022 World Cup.
When Deschamps steps down, legendary midfielder Zinedine Zidane is expected to succeed him. Zidane has been out of the game since leaving Real Madrid in 2021 and is believed to have rejected multiple opportunities to return to management in favor of waiting for France’s job.
