France head coach Didier Deschamps will step down from his position following his team’s 2-0 semifinal defeat to Spain at the 2026 FIFA World Cup on Tuesday, July 14. The loss at Dallas Stadium ends the French bid for a third world title and positions Saturday’s upcoming third-place play-off as the final match of Deschamps’ historic 14-year tenure.
Deschamps, 57, confirmed prior to the tournament that he would vacate his post at the conclusion of the World Cup, regardless of France’s final placing. Since taking over in 2012, he has orchestrated the most successful modern era of French international soccer, highlighted by winning the 2018 World Cup in Russia and the 2021 UEFA Nations League, alongside runner-up finishes at Euro 2016 and the 2022 World Cup.
The departing manager leaves a historic legacy, holding the record for both the most World Cup victories (20) and knockout-stage wins (10) in tournament history. Legendary former Real Madrid manager Zinedine Zidane is widely reported to succeed him, with a verbal agreement already in place with the French Football Federation to finalize his contract later this summer.
