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Rabat – Didier Deschamps will lead France for the final time on Saturday, July 18, when Les Bleus face England in the 2026 FIFA World Cup third-place playoff.
The match marks the end of Deschamps’ 25-year journey with the France national team, first as a player and later as its head coach.
Deschamps appeared emotional during his pre-match press conference as he spoke about his imminent departure from the team.
“I know that the final whistle will come tomorrow. No one here will cry, but I know that the French national team will leave a giant void in my life,” Deschamps said.
The 57-year-old coach leaves the France national team after one of the most successful periods in its history.
Deschamps captained France to the 1998 FIFA World Cup title before returning as head coach and guiding Les Bleus to another World Cup triumph in 2018.
During his 14 years as France coach, he also led the team to the UEFA Euro 2016 final and the 2022 FIFA World Cup final while breaking several national team records.
“I have had the privilege of living through 15 years filled with magical moments, as well as difficult ones,” Deschamps said.
“But life goes on. I am naturally a positive person, and I know that what comes next will also be good. Leading the French national team has been the greatest experience of my life.”
Deschamps also reflected on his long relationship with the national team.
“It has taken up 25 years of my life, both as a player and as a coach, and the memories will remain forever. But the most important thing is always what lies ahead,” he said.
The match against England will mark the end of an extraordinary chapter in French football.
From lifting the World Cup as captain in 1998 to winning it again as a coach in 2018, Deschamps leaves behind a legacy that will be difficult to match.
