Didier deschamps bids farewell to France national team after world cup 2026

Fourteen years of leadership and a rollercoaster final match—one that left him visibly moved. Didier Deschamps has just coached his last game for the France national team, guiding Les Bleus through a dramatic small final at the 2026 World Cup. France fell to England after an exhilarating 4-6 defeat, recovering brilliantly from a 4-0 halftime deficit.

“This has been an extraordinary day for me, reflecting on everything the France team has meant in my life—though nothing good lasts forever,” Deschamps shared with beIN Sports. “The French team will be sorely missed.” His departure comes with a legacy of 120 wins, 35 draws, and 30 losses, including a World Cup triumph and two narrow final defeats at Euro 2016 and the 2022 World Cup.

“I enjoyed every moment”

Even in his farewell, Deschamps maintained his high standards. “The first half was catastrophic,” he admitted. “But pride kicked in—we were close to pulling off an incredible comeback. These players are exceptional, young, and full of potential. They have what it takes to stay at the top.”

Despite the loss, the outgoing manager praised his squad with visible emotion. “I thanked them for their resilience after the semifinal heartbreak, but also for their pride. They must carry that fire under the French jersey—nothing surpasses it. I thanked them as people too, because I genuinely enjoyed these weeks, the camaraderie with players of all ages. Their future looks bright.”

He leaves behind a young squad that will still be in its prime for the next World Cup in four years. “With the results we’ve achieved, expectations are high—but that’s not pressure,” Deschamps reflected on his successor. “It’s about talent, but also about other essential ingredients. I’m incredibly proud of them, of what we accomplished together. They formed a united group. I’m proud of my staff—and a little of myself too. It’s over for me, at least with the French team. I’m still young, but first I need to enjoy time with my family and recharge. As I always say, the best is yet to come.”