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Didier Deschamps to Step Down as France Manager After 2026 World Cup
France national team manager Didier Deschamps has announced that he will leave his position after the 2026 World Cup. Deschamps, who took over as manager in 2012, has led France to several successes, including winning the 2018 World Cup and reaching the 2022 final.
In an interview with TF1, Deschamps confirmed that he will allow his contract to expire after the 2026 tournament. “I’ve been here since 2012, and I will remain until 2026 and the next World Cup,” he said. “But it will end there because it has to.”
Deschamps’ decision to step down has sparked speculation about his potential successor. According to L’Equipe, former Real Madrid manager Zinedine Zidane is the leading candidate to take over as France manager in 2026. Zidane has long been linked with the role and is reportedly eager to take charge of Les Bleus.
Other potential candidates include Thierry Henry, who resigned as France Under-21 manager last summer.
Deschamps’ departure will mark the end of an era for France, but he is confident that the team will continue to thrive under new leadership. “The most important thing is for France to remain on top, like it has for several years,” he said.