Yes, Didier Deschamps will leave his position as head coach of the France national team after the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
Deschamps confirmed in January 2025 that he would not seek a contract extension beyond the tournament. His current agreement with the French Football Federation runs through July 2026, bringing one of the longest and most successful managerial tenures in international soccer history to an end.
When Will Didier Deschamps Leave France?
Deschamps is expected to officially step down once France completes its participation in the 2026 World Cup.
France’s hopes of winning the tournament ended with a 2-0 semifinal loss to Spain. However, Les Bleus still have the third-place playoff remaining, meaning Deschamps’ final match as France manager is expected to be the consolation game.
Deschamps previously explained that he believed it was the appropriate time to bring his reign to an end. He has led the national team since July 2012 and will have spent approximately 14 years in charge by the time he departs.
Why Is Didier Deschamps Leaving France?
Deschamps is not being dismissed by the French Football Federation. Instead, the longtime manager decided not to renew his contract after the 2026 World Cup.
When announcing his decision, Deschamps indicated that there must eventually be an ending and that he believed 2026 represented the right moment to step aside.
His departure will allow France to begin a new era after more than a decade under the same manager.
Didier Deschamps’ Record With France
Deschamps took over the France national team in 2012, replacing Laurent Blanc. He transformed Les Bleus into one of the most consistent international teams in world soccer.
His major accomplishments include:
- Winning the 2018 FIFA World Cup
- Finishing runner-up at the 2022 FIFA World Cup
- Winning the 2021 UEFA Nations League
- Reaching the UEFA Euro 2016 final
- Reaching the UEFA Euro 2024 semifinals
- Reaching the 2026 FIFA World Cup semifinals
Deschamps also holds a unique place in World Cup history. He captained France to the 1998 World Cup championship as a player before coaching the country to another title in 2018.
Is Didier Deschamps Retiring From Coaching?
Deschamps’ departure from the France national team does not necessarily mean he is retiring from soccer management.
The French coach has indicated that he remains open to another managerial position after completing his national-team tenure. His next destination has not been confirmed, and it remains unclear whether he would prefer another international job or a return to club management.
Before taking charge of France, Deschamps managed Monaco, Juventus, and Marseille.
Who Will Replace Didier Deschamps as France Manager?
Zinedine Zidane is widely expected to become the next manager of the France national team.
Reports have indicated that Zidane has reached a verbal agreement with the French Football Federation to succeed Deschamps following the World Cup, although an official appointment has yet to be announced.
Zidane has long been connected with the France position. The former French captain helped Les Bleus win the 1998 World Cup and later enjoyed a highly successful managerial career with Real Madrid.
During his time in Madrid, Zidane led the club to three consecutive UEFA Champions League titles between 2016 and 2018.
What Didier Deschamps’ Departure Means for France
Deschamps’ exit will represent a major change for a generation of French players who have known only one national-team manager.
Stars such as Kylian Mbappé developed into international leaders under Deschamps, while the manager successfully introduced several generations of talent during his time in charge.
The next coach will inherit one of the deepest and most talented squads in international soccer. However, replacing a manager who delivered a World Cup championship and guided France to multiple major finals will create enormous expectations.
Final Answer: Is Didier Deschamps Leaving France?
Didier Deschamps is leaving the France national team after the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
His final game is expected to be France’s third-place playoff. His departure will conclude a historic 14-year tenure that included the 2018 World Cup championship, the 2021 UEFA Nations League title, and appearances in multiple international finals.
Zinedine Zidane remains the leading candidate to replace him, although France has not officially confirmed its next head coach.