France head coach Didier Deschamps is hoping to end his illustrious 14-year reign on a high by leading Les Bleus to FIFA World Cup glory before stepping down after the 2026 tournament.
Deschamps, who took charge of France in 2012, transformed the national team into one of world football’s dominant forces, guiding them to the 2018 FIFA World Cup title and a runners-up finish in 2022 after a dramatic final defeat to Argentina.
Now ranked number one in the world, France head into the 2026 World Cup in North America among the favourites to lift the trophy, with captain Kylian Mbappé leading a star-studded squad that also features Ballon d’Or winner Ousmane Dembélé and Bayern Munich forward Michael Olise.
Speaking after naming his final World Cup squad, the 57-year-old said his entire focus is on ending his tenure with another global triumph.
“Now all my energy is focused on this World Cup,” Deschamps said.
If France reaches the final, it would mark the country’s third consecutive World Cup final appearance—a feat achieved only by West Germany (1982–1990) and Brazil (1994–2002).
Victory would also make Deschamps just the second coach in history to win the FIFA World Cup twice, after Italy’s Vittorio Pozzo in the 1930s.
Deschamps is expected to be succeeded by former France captain and Real Madrid coach Zinedine Zidane after the tournament.
