Didier Deschamps has announced his decision to resign as the head coach of the French national football team following the 2026 World Cup, concluding a remarkable 14-year period in charge.
The official social media account of France's national team revealed this news on Wednesday, stating, "At the helm of Les Bleus since 2012, the greatest coach in the history of the French team will bow out after the 2026 World Cup."
Since taking over in 2012, Deschamps has led France to significant achievements, including winning the 2018 FIFA World Cup and the 2021 UEFA Nations League. He also guided the team to the finals of UEFA Euro 2016 and the 2022 FIFA World Cup, where they narrowly missed winning both tournaments.
Sources indicate that Deschamps has been contemplating his exit for several months, aiming to provide the team with clarity regarding the future of the managerial position. With his contract concluding after the 2026 World Cup in North America, attention is already turning to potential successors.
One prominent name being discussed is Zinedine Zidane. The iconic French footballer and former Real Madrid manager is viewed as a strong candidate for the role. Zidane, who has not held a managerial position since departing Real Madrid in 2021, has an impressive coaching resume, highlighted by three consecutive UEFA Champions League titles and two La Liga championships.
Deschamps' impact on French football is remarkable. He stands out as one of the rare figures to have secured the World Cup title both as a player and as a coach. His contributions will be celebrated as among the most significant in the annals of the sport.
As he approaches his exit, Deschamps is concentrating on two key objectives: guiding France through the UEFA Nations League quarter-final against Croatia in March 2025 and gearing up for the 2026 World Cup, set to take place in the United States, Canada, and Mexico.
