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Didier Deschamps
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Didier Deschamps

France's most successful manager; led them to the 2018 World Cup title.

Didier Deschamps left the France post after 14 years in charge, his 2026 campaign ending in the semi-final defeat to Spain on 14 July, with the federation moving to confirm Zinedine Zidane as his successor on 28 July 2026.

Last refreshed: 28 July 2026 · Appears in 1 active topic

Key Question

With Deschamps away on bereavement leave, how will France cope against Norway in their final group match?

Timeline for Didier Deschamps

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Background

Deschamps took charge of France in July 2012 and built the country's most successful modern managerial record, winning the 2018 World Cup and reaching the 2022 final, lost on penalties to Argentina. He had already captained France to the 1998 World Cup title on home soil, making him one of the few people to win the trophy as both player and manager, and the only Frenchman to have captained and later managed a champion side.

His 2026 campaign began with the selection of his final 26-man squad on 14 May, in which he confirmed this would be his last tournament and Left out Real Madrid midfielder Eduardo Camavinga. He Left the France CAMP on 23 June after the death of his mother, missing the final group match against Norway with assistant Guy Stephan in charge, before returning to lead the side through the knockouts.

France's run ended in the semi-final, beaten by Spain at AT&T Stadium on 14 July, closing his second spell in charge of a side that reached three of the last four major men's tournament finals under him.

Key Issues
Managerial succession

Deschamps ends a 14-year France reign

Deschamps had already signalled the end in May, naming his final 26-man World Cup squad on 14 May and confirming this tournament would be his last in the role. France's run stopped in the semi-final, beaten by Spain, closing a second spell in charge, spanning 2012 to 2026, that delivered the 2018 title and a runners-up finish in 2022.

Word of his successor followed quickly: the federation lined up Zinedine Zidane for presentation on 28 July, the most significant change in French football management since Deschamps' own arrival fourteen years earlier. For Deschamps, it closes a tenure defined by winning the sport's biggest trophy as both a player and, later, as its manager.

Common Questions
What trophies has Didier Deschamps won as France manager?
Deschamps won the 2018 World Cup in Russia and reached the 2022 final, which France lost on penalties to Argentina. He is one of only six people to win the World Cup as both player (1998) and manager.Source: Lowdown
Who is in charge of France while Deschamps is away?
Assistant coach Guy Stéphan will take charge of France for their Group I match against Norway on 26 June 2026, while Deschamps is absent on personal bereavement leave.Source: Lowdown
Why did Didier Deschamps leave the France camp at the 2026 World Cup?
Deschamps Left the France CAMP on 23 June 2026 after learning of his mother's death. He will miss France's final Group I match against Norway on 26 June, with assistant Guy Stéphan taking charge.Source: Lowdown
Who did Deschamps drop from France's World Cup squad?
Deschamps omitted Eduardo Camavinga and Corentin Tolisso from France's final 26-man squad, announced 14 May 2026, while confirming Kylian Mbappé as captain despite an injury.Source: Lowdown
Is the 2026 World Cup Didier Deschamps' last tournament as France manager?
Yes. Deschamps confirmed when announcing France's final 26-man squad on 14 May 2026 that the 2026 World Cup will be his final tournament as France head coach.Source: Lowdown
When did Deschamps become France manager?
Didier Deschamps was appointed France head coach in July 2012, succeeding Laurent Blanc.
Source Material
Didier Deschamps