We use essential cookies and third-party cookies for content.

The National Times - Deschamps to step down as France coach after 2026 World Cup: team source

Deschamps to step down as France coach after 2026 World Cup: team source

SPORTS 07.01.2025
Deschamps to step down as France coach after 2026 World Cup: team source
Deschamps to step down as France coach after 2026 World Cup: team source / Photo: © AFP/File

France head coach Didier Deschamps will step down from the role when his current contract ends after the 2026 World Cup, a source close to the team said on Tuesday.

Change text size:

Deschamps led Les Bleus to the 2018 World Cup title, becoming only the third man to win the tournament as a player and a manager.

He took over from Laurent Blanc in 2012 and has taken France to three major finals in total, losing the Euro 2016 final to Portugal and the 2022 World Cup showpiece to Argentina.

Deschamps was captain when Les Bleus won their first World Cup on home soil in 1998.

The 56-year-old has already set the record for longest-serving official France coach.

According to media reports, he will officially announce his decision to leave the job in an interview with Brigitte Macron on French television on Wednesday.

European qualifying for the 2026 World Cup, which will be held in the United States, Mexico and Canada, gets under way later this year.

France next face Croatia in March in the quarter-finals of the Nations League, a tournament they won under Deschamps in 2021.

K.M.Thompson--TNT

Featured

Maswanganyi Clarifies Pirates Allegiance Amidst Career Transition

Patrick Maswanganyi has addressed speculation surrounding his career by reaffirming that Orlando Pirates remains his dream club, despite growing up as a Kaizer Chiefs supporter. Speaking during an exclusive interview, the Bafana Bafana international also clarified the nature of his relationship with former coach Abdeslam Ouaddou following his recent exit from the Soweto giants.

Kuwait's Yasmeen Waleed Wins High Jump Gold at Dakar Youth Olympics

Kuwaiti athlete Yasmeen Waleed has won the gold medal in the high jump at the fourth Summer Youth Olympic Games in Dakar, Senegal. Her victory established a new Kuwaiti national record of 1.80 meters, marking a significant milestone for the nation's youth sports program.

Matvei Michkov Leads Flyers in Goals but Ranks Sixth in Ice Time

Matvei Michkov leads the Philadelphia Flyers with 10 goals through 20 games, but his total ice time ranks sixth among the team's forwards. Head coach Rick Tocchet has concentrated Michkov’s additional minutes on the power play, where he has scored five of his goals, while his even-strength usage has remained relatively stable compared to last season.

Northern California Jewish Sports Hall of Fame Announces 2026 Inductees

The Northern California Jewish Sports Hall of Fame (NCJSHOF) has announced its Class of 2026 inductees, honoring four individuals for their athletic achievements and community contributions. The organization will celebrate the new class during its 19th Annual Induction Dinner Gala on November 22 at the Olympic Golf Club in South San Francisco.

Change text size: