French Manager Didier Deschamps Says He Will Step Down In 2026

France’s World Cup-winning manager Didier Deschamps says he will step down after next year’s tournament in the United States, Canada, and Mexico.

He is France’s longest-serving coach, having been in charge since 2012.

During the 2018 World Cup in Russia, he led Les Bleus to victory, as well as reaching the final of the 2022 tournament in Qatar and Euro 2016 on home soil.

“In 2026 it will be over. In my head it’s very clear,” Deschamps told French broadcaster TF1.

“I’ve done my time, with the same desire and passion to maintain France at the highest level.

“One has to be able to say stop; there’s a life after this. The most important thing is for France to stay at the top as they have been for many years.”

With the group being dependent on the result of their Nations League quarter-final against Croatia in March, France has yet to begin their 2026 World Cup qualifying campaign.

The 56-year-old former midfielder is the third man after Mario Zagallo and Franz Beckenbauer to win the World Cup as both player and manager, having captained his country to glory in 1998.

In 2016 Deschamps led the team to the final of their home European Championship, but they were beaten by Portugal after extra time.

He won 14 major honors, including Champions League titles with Marseille and Juventus and the FA Cup with Chelsea.

The defensive midfielder also earned 103 caps for France, captaining the national team to victory at the 1998 World Cup and Euro 2000.