Paris — In a move that has sent ripples through the football world, Didier Deschamps, the longest-serving coach of the French national soccer team, confirmed on Tuesday that he will not seek to extend his contract once it expires in 2026. The announcement came from the French Football Federation (FFF) and was later confirmed by the 56-year-old coach himself. Deschamps’ tenure is set to end after the 2026 FIFA World Cup, for which France has yet to qualify.
Deschamps, who took over the national team in 2012 following Laurent Blanc’s departure, led France to World Cup glory in 2018, cementing his legacy as one of football’s most successful coaches. His contract, which runs until the end of the 2026 World Cup, will see the coach continue his leadership of Les Bleus through the qualification stages and the tournament itself.
His decision to not pursue an extension comes after leading France to a historic World Cup final in 2022, where they lost to Argentina in a dramatic penalty shootout, following what many consider one of the best matches in World Cup history. Deschamps’ leadership in 2018, which saw France triumph over Croatia 4-2 in the final, and his role as captain during the 1998 World Cup and the 2000 European Championship have placed him in an exclusive group of individuals who have won football’s most coveted titles both as a player and a coach.
Philippe Diallo, president of the FFF, confirmed the news to Reuters, stating that Deschamps will continue to lead the national team through the 2026 World Cup. “He will go until the end of his contract, i.e., 2026,” Diallo said, underscoring that Deschamps’ decision was final.
Throughout his coaching career, Deschamps has been lauded for his ability to build balanced teams with a strong emphasis on both defensive resilience and tactical discipline. Known for his no-nonsense approach, Deschamps’ teams are often seen as strategically sound and capable of rising to the occasion in critical moments. Under his direction, France has won the 2021 UEFA Nations League and produced remarkable performances at the highest level, including defeating Argentina 4-3 in the 2018 World Cup round of 16.
Deschamps’ leadership has been credited with bringing out the best in France’s players, including Kylian Mbappé, whose electrifying play has been a standout feature of the team’s recent success. At the same time, Deschamps’ tactical approach often emphasized discipline and defensive strength, making his squads formidable opponents on the global stage.
As for his successor, speculation has already begun, with former French international Zinedine Zidane emerging as the clear favorite. Zidane, who won the 1998 World Cup and 2000 European Championship alongside Deschamps, has long been seen as a potential future France manager. Christophe Dugarry, a former teammate of both Zidane and Deschamps, voiced his support for Zidane taking over after Deschamps’ tenure. “It’s a smart choice. I haven’t sent Zidane anything, and I won’t send anything. But of course, we all hope it will be him after 2026,” Dugarry said on RMC Radio.
Though Zidane remains the top contender, the FFF has not yet confirmed any potential replacements for Deschamps. For now, Deschamps’ focus remains on preparing Les Bleus for the upcoming challenges, with his contract and legacy secure until the end of the 2026 World Cup.
