France national football team manager Didier Deschamps is reportedly set to step down from his role after the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
According to L’Equipe, Deschamps will not renew his contract, marking the end of a historic 14-year tenure in charge of Les Bleus.
The former Juventus and Chelsea midfielder took charge of the French national team in 2012, succeeding Laurent Blanc following the European Championship tournament.
He subsequently established himself as one of the most successful managers in French football history.
France claimed the 2018 World Cup title. They also reached the final of Euro 2016, where they were defeated by Portugal, and the 2022 World Cup, where they lost to Argentina on penalties.
Deschamps guided France to victory in the 2021 UEFA Nations League and will have the chance to reclaim the title with a quarter-final match against Croatia scheduled for next March.
The decision to step down was reportedly made some time ago but is only now being disclosed.
Deschamps felt it was the right moment to clarify his intentions and dispel any uncertainty about his future with the national team. His announcement is expected to be made public on Wednesday.
His departure will undoubtedly mark the end of an era for French football. The focus now turns to who might succeed him in guiding Les Bleus beyond 2026.
Former France international Zinedine Zidane will be an early front-runner for the role. Zidane has been without a club since leaving Real Madrid in 2021.
Zidane won three consecutive Champions League titles and two league trophies with Madrid.
His deep connection to French football and proven track record at the highest level makes him a natural candidate to take over and continue France’s legacy of success.
