Deschamps to Leave France Coach Role After 2026 World Cup; Zidane Tipped as Successor

Jan 8, 2025, 07:24 AM

Didier Deschamps, 56, will announce on Wednesday during TF1's 1 pm news, in an interview with Brigitte Macron, that he will step down as the head coach of the French national football team after the 2026 World Cup. Deschamps revealed that after 14 years at the helm, 'it is time to know when to stop.' The longest-serving coach in French history, he led Les Bleus to victory in the 2018 World Cup, the 2021 UEFA Nations League, and to the runner-up position in the 2022 World Cup. Philippe Diallo, president of the French Football Federation, paid tribute to Deschamps, calling him 'the greatest France manager.' Zinedine Zidane is widely regarded as the leading candidate to succeed Deschamps, with Thierry Henry also mentioned as a potential successor.