After fourteen years at the helm, Didier Deschamps concluded his final match as France’s national team coach at the 2026 World Cup, where the Bleus secured a fourth-place finish following a dramatic 4-6 loss to England in a fiercely contested third-place playoff. Despite trailing 4-0 at halftime, France fought back with pride in an open, high-scoring encounter.

“This has been a deeply personal day for me, given everything the French team has meant in my life. All good things must come to an end,” Deschamps shared during a post-match interview, his voice tinged with emotion. “I will miss the French team.”

His tenure concluded with a record of 120 wins, 35 draws, and 30 defeats, including a World Cup triumph in 2018 and two heartbreaking final losses—at Euro 2016 and the 2022 World Cup.

“I had a blast”

Even in his farewell, Deschamps maintained his trademark standards. “The first half was a disaster,” he admitted candidly. “But there was pride in the second act. We nearly turned an impossible situation around. These players are elite, young, and full of potential. They have what it takes to stay at the top.”

Despite the disappointment, the outgoing coach praised his squad with visible emotion: “I thanked them for the heartbreak in the semifinals, but also for their fighting spirit. That fire under the France jersey means everything. I thanked them as people too, because I’ve truly enjoyed every moment—especially the exchanges with players of all ages. The future looks bright for them.”

He leaves behind a young but talented squad, many of whom will still be in their prime for the next World Cup in four years. “The results over these years have built expectations, but it’s not pressure,” he reflected on his successor. “What matters is the quality of these players. There’s a lot more to success than just talent. I’m incredibly proud of them, of what we’ve accomplished together. I’m proud of my staff, and yes, a little proud of myself too. This chapter with the French team is now closed. I may be young, but I’m going to take time for my family, recharge, and enjoy life. As I always say, the best is yet to come.”