Didier Deschamps, the longest-serving coach of the French national football team, will not extend his tenure beyond 2026, according to the French Football Federation (FFF), which confirmed the news to Reuters on Tuesday, 7 January 2025.

Deschamps, whose current contract runs until the conclusion of the next World Cup, will oversee Les Bleus' campaign for qualification and participation in the tournament, should they secure their place.

The 56-year-old, who succeeded Laurent Blanc in 2012, guided France to World Cup glory in 2018 and to the final of the European Championship in 2016, held on home soil. He also led the team to another World Cup final in 2022, where they narrowly lost to Argentina on penalties after a dramatic and historic match.

Earlier reports by French sports daily L'Équipe suggested Deschamps would officially announce his decision on Wednesday. FFF President Philippe Diallo later confirmed that Deschamps would honour his contract until 2026 but would not seek an extension. "He will fulfil his contract through to the end, which is 2026," Diallo stated.

A Stellar Career

Deschamps has had an illustrious career both as a player and a coach. As a player, he captained France to victory in the 1998 World Cup and Euro 2000, earning a reputation as a gritty and determined defensive midfielder. Nicknamed "the water carrier" by Eric Cantona, Deschamps' leadership and tactical acumen made him a pivotal figure in French football history.

As a coach, he replicated his success by steering France to their second World Cup title in 2018 and securing the Nations League trophy in 2021. Under his guidance, Les Bleus have been both efficient and exhilarating, showcasing thrilling attacking play through stars like Kylian Mbappé, while also demonstrating exceptional defensive organisation in crucial moments.

What’s Next?

The question of who will succeed Deschamps has already sparked speculation. Zinedine Zidane, another World Cup-winning Frenchman and former Real Madrid manager, is widely considered the frontrunner for the role.

As the 2026 World Cup approaches, Deschamps’ decision marks the end of an era for French football. His legacy as both a player and manager has left an indelible mark on the sport, and fans will now look ahead to the future with cautious optimism.