Paris: Deschamps, who guided France to World Cup glory in 2018, had hoped to sign off by leading his side to a third world title. France entered the 2026 tournament as one of the favourites and backed up that status with a series of impressive attacking performances, but their campaign was halted by a painful 2-0 semifinal defeat to Spain in Arlington, Texas.
The result denied France a place in a third consecutive World Cup final and left them competing for bronze against England. For Deschamps, however, the match will carry far greater significance as it marks the end of an era.
“I had the privilege of experiencing moments that were magical, and others that were difficult,” Deschamps said on the eve of the game. “But life goes on. I’m a positive person, and I know things will be good, too. It’s the best thing that ever happened to me.”
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Deschamps, 57, will be remembered as the architect of France’s famous 2018 World Cup triumph in Russia, 20 years after he captained the national team to its first world crown in 1998. When he took over, French football was still recovering from the turmoil of the 2010 World Cup, where the team exited in the group stage amid a squad revolt against then-coach Raymond Domenech.
After Laurent Blanc led France to the Euro 2012 quarterfinals, Deschamps transformed the side into one of the most consistent teams in world football. His reign included the 2018 World Cup win that launched Kylian Mbappe into global superstardom, as well as a run to the 2022 World Cup final, where France lost to Argentina on penalties.
There were also major disappointments, including defeat to Portugal in the Euro 2016 final on home soil and the latest semifinal loss to Spain. Yet Deschamps’ overall record remains outstanding, with France reaching at least the semifinals in five of his seven major tournaments as head coach.
Saturday’s match against England will be Deschamps’ 27th World Cup game as coach, a record achievement that underlines his lasting impact on the international stage.
Waiting to succeed him is Zinedine Zidane, Deschamps’ former France teammate and one of the most iconic players in the country’s history. The former Real Madrid player and coach has long been linked with the national team role and has previously described managing France as a “dream.”
Zidane, 54, has been preparing for the position since leaving Real Madrid in 2021, and his expected appointment would open a new chapter for Les Bleus.
