Deschamps to Bid Adieu: France’s Maestro to Exit in 2026

Didier Deschamps, the man behind France’s modern footballing success, has announced he will step down as head coach after the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

“I’ve done my time, with the same desire and passion to maintain France at the highest level,” said during an interview with a local publication on Wednesday, 8 January,

The 56-year-old tactician later added: “One has to be able to say stop, there’s a life after this. The most important is for France to stay at the top as they have been for many years.”

Deschamps has been at the helm since 2012, making him the longest-serving manager in French history.

Under his stewardship, France achieved remarkable heights, including winning the 2018 World Cup in Russia. He also guided the team to the finals of Euro 2016 and the 2022 World Cup, where they narrowly lost to Argentina on penalties.

Deschamps is one of only three individuals to win the World Cup both as a player and a manager, having captained France to glory in 1998.

European qualifiers for the 2026 World Cup in the United States, Mexico, and Canada are set to begin soon, with Deschamps aiming for one final flourish with Les Bleus. His departure will mark the end of a golden era, leaving big boots to fill for his eventual successor.

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