France’s longest-serving manager, Didier Deschamps, has confirmed he will step down after leading Les Bleus at the 2026 FIFA World Cup in the United States, Canada, and Mexico.
Deschamps, 56, has been in charge of the national team since 2012, guiding them to historic achievements, including winning the 2018 World Cup and the 2021 Nations League. He also led France to the finals of Euro 2016 and the 2022 World Cup in Qatar.
“In 2026, it will be over. It’s very clear in my mind,” Deschamps told French broadcaster TF1. “I’ve done my time with passion, but there’s life after this. The priority is ensuring France remains at the top.”
A former World Cup-winning captain in 1998, Deschamps is one of only three men—alongside Mario Zagallo and Franz Beckenbauer—to win the tournament as both player and coach.
Deschamps’ illustrious career also includes managerial stints with Monaco, Juventus, and Marseille, where he won trophies with each club.
As a player, he earned 103 caps for France and won 14 major trophies, including Champions League titles with Marseille and Juventus.
France’s journey to the 2026 World Cup will depend on their upcoming Nations League quarter-final against Croatia in March.
