Official | Didier Deschamps to step down as France manager after 2026 World Cup | OneFootball

Didier Deschamps confirmed in an exclusive interview with TF1 that he intends to step down as France manager upon the expiry of his contract, which is set to expire after the 2026 FIFA World Cup. The 56-year-old shared his intention of not seeking a contract renewal as Les Bleus boss. Deschamps’ tenure as France manager will span fourteen years, should Les Bleus qualify for the 2026 World Cup. “I’ve been here since 2012 and will remain until 2026 and the next World Cup. But it will end there because it has to. In my mind, it’s clear. 2026, it’s fine.“

Deschamps added it was time for him to step down as France manager. The former Chelsea and Juventus midfielder is the most decorated France manager ever. He won the 2018 World Cup as well as the 2020-2021 Nations League. His France team lost two major finals in the Euro 2016 and the 2022 World Cup.

Deschamps confirmed he did not entertain the possibility of extending his stay further past 2026. “You never want something good to end, but you have to know when to stop. There is a life after this, I don’t know which one, but it will be very good still. Fourteen years is a lot. The most important is for France to remain on top like it is for several years.”

GFFN | Bastien Cheval