France head coach Didier Deschamps has described his long association with the national team as the most meaningful chapter of his professional career as he prepares to lead Les Bleus for the final time.

Deschamps will take charge of France in Saturday’s FIFA World Cup 2026 third-place playoff against England in Miami, bringing an end to his 15-year tenure as head coach. The 57-year-old had already announced that he would step down after the tournament, with former France star Zinedine Zidane widely expected to take over.

Reflecting on his remarkable journey, Deschamps said serving the French national team as both captain and coach has been the greatest honour of his career. He admitted that leaving the role would be emotional but added that he is looking forward to the future with optimism.

The former midfielder said spending 25 years with the national team has created unforgettable memories that will stay with him forever. While acknowledging the emotional farewell, he stressed that he has always believed the future is just as important as the past.

Deschamps first made history as captain by leading France to its maiden FIFA World Cup triumph in 1998. He returned as head coach in 2012 and transformed the team into one of the strongest forces in international football.

During his successful managerial spell, France won the 2018 FIFA World Cup in Russia, lifted the UEFA Nations League title in 2021 and finished runners-up at the 2022 World Cup in Qatar. The team also reached the UEFA Euro 2016 final on home soil, consistently competing for major international trophies throughout his tenure.

Although France missed out on another World Cup final after losing to Spain in the semi-finals, Deschamps has insisted that the third-place match remains an important objective.

He believes finishing third would be a better way to conclude the campaign than ending the tournament in fourth place. The veteran coach also said the squad owes one final strong performance to the supporters who have backed the team throughout the competition.

A victory over England would provide a memorable ending to one of the most successful managerial careers in international football, closing the curtain on Deschamps’ extraordinary 25-year journey with the French national team.

Image Title: Didier Deschamps Reflects on France Journey Before Final Match as Head Coach

FAQs

1. Why is Didier Deschamps leaving the France national team?
Deschamps had announced before the tournament that he would step down as France head coach after the FIFA World Cup 2026.

2. Which is Didier Deschamps’ final match as France coach?
His final match will be the FIFA World Cup 2026 third-place playoff against England.

3. What did Deschamps say about his time with France?
He described the French national team as the greatest chapter of his professional career and said the memories will remain with him forever.

4. How long has Didier Deschamps been associated with France?
He has spent around 25 years with the national team as both a player, captain and head coach.

5. What major trophies has Deschamps won as France coach?
He guided France to the 2018 FIFA World Cup title and the 2021 UEFA Nations League trophy, while also reaching the 2022 World Cup final.

6. Who is expected to replace Didier Deschamps?
Former France legend Zinedine Zidane is widely expected to succeed him as national team coach.

7. Why does Deschamps consider the third-place playoff important?
He believes finishing third is a better outcome than fourth and wants the team to end the tournament with a victory.

8. When did Didier Deschamps win the FIFA World Cup as a player?
He captained France to their historic first FIFA World Cup title in 1998.