Didier Deschamps concludes his 14-year tenure as France coach with a third-place playoff against England, paving the way for Zinedine Zidane's anticipated arrival.
Doha, Qatar Jul 18, 2026 ALN: Didier Deschamps brings the curtain down on a remarkable 14-year reign as France coach on Saturday when Les Bleus face England in the World Cup third-place playoff. This significant match not only marks the end of Deschamps' tenure but also serves as a moment of reflection on his extensive contributions to French football. His departure comes at a time when the national team is in transition, with expectations high for the future.
Waiting in the wings is Zinedine Zidane, Deschamps’ former teammate and one of the all-time great French players. Zidane's impending appointment as the new head coach has generated considerable excitement among fans and analysts alike, as he is seen as a figure who can build on the foundation laid by Deschamps and further elevate French football on the world stage.
Deschamps, 57, had been determined to sign off by leading Les Bleus to a third World Cup triumph after a glittering career as a player and coach. His ambition and vision for the team have been evident throughout his tenure. France justified their billing as favorites for the 2026 tournament with a series of swaggering attacking displays, but came unstuck against Spain in the semifinals.
The painful 2-0 defeat in Arlington, Texas, denied them the chance to reach a third consecutive World Cup final and left them chasing bronze. This loss was particularly disappointing for Deschamps, as it interrupted a narrative of success that had characterized much of his time in charge. Characteristically, Deschamps is not anticipating an emotional farewell. He has always been a pragmatic leader, focusing on the present and future rather than dwelling on the past.
“I had the privilege of experiencing moments that were magical, and others that were difficult,” he said on the eve of the game. “But life goes on. I’m a positive person, and I know things will be good, too.” His words reflect a mindset that has served him well throughout his career, both as a player and coach. “It’s the best thing that ever happened to me,” he added, encapsulating his gratitude for the journey he has undertaken with the team.
Deschamps will always be remembered as the architect of France’s glorious 2018 World Cup campaign, 20 years after he captained the team to their first global crown. His leadership has been pivotal in transforming the French national team into a formidable force in international football. The France team were at a low ebb in 2010 when they exited the World Cup in the group phase, with their campaign marred by a squad uprising against then-coach Raymond Domenech.
Laurent Blanc took the team to the Euro 2012 quarterfinals but Deschamps truly transformed them, leading France to victory in Russia in 2018 at a tournament that propelled Kylian Mbappe to global stardom. Under Deschamps, the team not only showcased their tactical flexibility but also displayed a depth of talent that had been nurtured over the years. His ability to blend experienced players with emerging stars has been a hallmark of his coaching philosophy.
There have also been bitter disappointments, including defeat in the Euro 2016 final to Portugal on home soil and the loss to Argentina on penalties in the 2022 World Cup final. These moments of heartbreak have shaped Deschamps’ approach to coaching, instilling a resilience in the team that has often been tested. Tuesday’s semifinal loss to Spain was especially painful, given France’s imperious form in the United States. But Deschamps can be proud of his record of taking the team to at least the semifinals in five of his seven major competitions at the helm.
When asked earlier in the current tournament about his secret to consistent success, he said: “I don’t know, having very good players, I guess. But I can’t be doing my job too badly.” This humility is indicative of Deschamps’ character, as he often deflected praise onto his players while maintaining a strong sense of accountability.
Deschamps has reinvented France over the past year, pivoting away from the more conservative approach that had produced results in the past. While he was often criticized for not playing a more expansive game with the talent at his disposal – at Euro 2024, France scored just four goals in six games – he has nonetheless provided a framework that has allowed players to thrive. Deschamps has given star forwards Mbappe, Ousmane Dembele, and Michael Olise the freedom to express themselves, but might regret not being more cautious against Spain, where their defensive vulnerabilities were exposed.
The coach’s World Cup was also overshadowed by the death of his mother, which meant he missed one game as he returned home for the funeral. This personal loss added another layer of complexity to his final tournament, highlighting the emotional toll that coaching at the highest level can take.
The England match will be Deschamps’ 27th World Cup game as coach, which is a record. After that, it will be time for a new challenge. The transition from Deschamps to Zidane marks a significant moment in French football history, as both men have had a profound impact on the national team's identity and success.
It is an open secret that Zidane, a man with a unique aura in the French game, will be the next head coach of the team. Zidane's credentials are impressive, having achieved great success with Real Madrid and being a part of the 1998 World Cup-winning squad alongside Deschamps. His experience as a player and coach will be invaluable as he takes on this new role.
Zidane, 54, has previously admitted that it was his “dream” to manage France, and that appears to be coming true soon. His vision for the team will likely focus on blending the rich talent pool available to him while instilling a sense of unity and purpose that has characterized successful teams in the past. “There are not many people capable of leading one of the world’s biggest national teams,” French Football Federation President Philippe Diallo told Le Figaro earlier this year. “It needs to be someone who ticks every box and who everyone in France can get behind.”
Zidane may be the chosen one, but he has a lot to live up to. The expectations will be immense, as he steps into the shoes of a coach who has not only won titles but has also fostered a strong team spirit and resilience. The transition period will be crucial for the French national team as they look to build on the legacy left by Deschamps while navigating the challenges of international football.
In conclusion, Didier Deschamps’ departure marks the end of an era for French football. His achievements and the indelible mark he has left on the national team will be remembered for generations to come. As the team prepares to face England in the World Cup third-place playoff, the focus will not only be on the match itself but also on the future direction of French football under the stewardship of Zidane. The implications of this transition will be felt for years, as both the players and the fans look forward to what lies ahead.
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