Didier Deschamps has announced that he will step down as head coach of the French national football team after the UEFA Euro 2024 tournament, ending a 12-year tenure that included a World Cup victory in 2018. The decision was confirmed in a statement on July 18, 2026, following France's elimination in the semifinals of Euro 2024.
Deschamps, 57, led France to the 2018 World Cup title in Russia and the 2022 World Cup final in Qatar, where they lost to Argentina on penalties. Under his guidance, France also won the 2021 UEFA Nations League. His contract was set to expire after Euro 2024, and he chose not to renew.
In his farewell statement, Deschamps said, 'It has been an immense honor to manage this team. I am proud of what we have achieved together, and I leave with my head held high.' The French Football Federation (FFF) has begun the search for a successor, with Zinedine Zidane among the early favorites.
Deschamps' departure marks the end of an era for French football. He is the second-most successful manager in French history, behind only Michel Platini in terms of major trophies. His final match was a 2-1 loss to Spain in the Euro 2024 semifinal on July 9, 2024.
