Didier Deschamps to Step Down After 2026 World Cup

Didier Deschamps announced this week that he will step down as France head coach after the 2026 World Cup, ending a remarkable 14-year tenure. Deschamps’ legacy as one of only three men to win the World Cup as both a player and a manager is secure, having led France to victory in 2018, following his 1998 win as a player. However, some argue that his time may be up following France’s Euro 2024 semi-final exit to Spain where his tactics faced criticism despite France reaching the final four for the fourth time in five major tournaments.

French football experts Julien Laurens and James Horncastle discussed Didier Deschamps’ departure on the BBC’s Euro Leagues podcast. Laurens suggested that Deschamps should have left after the Euros, citing the retirement of key players like Hugo Lloris, Olivier Giroud and Antoine Griezmann. The uncertainty surrounding Kylian Mbappé also added to the sense of a cycle ending.

The timing of Deschamps’ announcement has raised concerns over its potential impact on the team.  Horncastle emphasized that Deschamps’ loyalty from players could either inspire a strong send-off or result in a lack of cohesion. Both experts speculated that Zinedine Zidane is the front-runner to replace him. Zidane a legendary figure for France has been out of work since leaving Real Madrid in 2021. Laurens believes Zidane’s long-standing connection with the national team makes him the ideal successor.

Thierry Henry, currently coaching France’s U21 team, is also a contender, though Laurens sees Zidane as the more likely choice. The relationship between Zidane and Mbappé, who has a long history with the former player, could also play a role in the decision. With Deschamps’ departure, the future of French football seems to rest in Zidane’s hands.