France national team manager Didier Deschamps is reportedly set to announce his decision to step down from the role after the 2026 FIFA World Cup, according to a report from L’Équipe.
The announcement is expected during an interview with France’s First Lady, Brigitte Macron, as part of the “pièces jaunes” charity operation. The interview will be broadcast on TF1’s news programme on Wednesday evening.
Should Deschamps step down in 2026, his 14-year tenure will mark one of the longest managerial stints in international football. Appointed in 2012, Deschamps has overseen an era of remarkable success for Les Bleus.
Key Achievements Under Deschamps
- 2018 FIFA World Cup: Guided France to their second-ever World Cup victory, defeating Croatia 4-2 in the final.
- 2021 UEFA Nations League: Secured the inaugural trophy for France.
- Euro 2016 Runner-up: Lost a closely contested final to Portugal.
- 2022 FIFA World Cup Runner-up: Came within a penalty shootout of reclaiming the title against Argentina.
The Timing of the Announcement
Deschamps reportedly made this decision months ago and sees this as the right time to make it public. By doing so, he hopes to quell speculation about his future and provide stability for the team as they prepare for two major events:
- 2023 Nations League
- 2026 FIFA World Cup, co-hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico.
What’s Next for Les Bleus?
The French Football Federation (FFF) will face a crucial task in identifying Deschamps’ successor. Speculation has already begun, with Zinedine Zidane, a former World Cup-winning captain and one of football’s most respected managers, emerging as a frontrunner.
A Legacy to Remember
Deschamps’ tenure has been defined by his ability to build a cohesive, disciplined team while nurturing emerging stars like Kylian Mbappé. His calm leadership and tactical acumen have earned him widespread respect, cementing his place as one of football’s most successful managers.
As Deschamps prepares to conclude his journey with Les Bleus, his focus will undoubtedly remain on leading France to further glory at the Nations League and 2026 World Cup.
