Picture Credit: X
Didier Deschamps has recently confirmed that he will not be resuming his duties as head coach of France’s national football team after the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Being a part of the national side since 2012, Deschamps has decided not to renew his contract, which is set to expire in 2026. He has been a longest serving head coach of France and guided the team to immense success in the last 13 years so far.
The runners-up of the previous edition, France are yet to qualify for the 2026 FIFA World Cup. However, Didier Deschamps has confirmed that he will not continue his role as head coach after the mega event in North America (Mexico, Canada and United States). “In 2026 it will be over. In my head it’s very clear. I’ve done my time, with the same desire and passion to maintain France at the highest level but 2026 is (a) very good (time to stop),” Deschamps was quoted as saying by Sportstar.
There’s a life after this: Didier Deschamps on leaving French football team after 2026 World Cup
Member of the 1998 FIFA World Cup winning French team, Didier Deschamps replaced his former fellow teammate Laurent Blanc as head coach of the national side in 2012. Under Deschamps’ guidance France have enjoyed immense success, including the World Cup victory in 2018 along with the Nations League title in 2021. France also reached the final of the 2022 FIFA World Cup but ended up losing against Argentina under his guidance.
“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,” Didier Deschamps. Notably, Didier Deschamps comes in the elite list of people to have won the football World Cup both as player (in 1998) and as a coach (in 2018).
