Deschamps to Step Down After 2026: Zidane Poised for Les Bleus Legacy

Didier Deschamps announced he will leave his role as France's national football coach after the 2026 World Cup. Despite his success, including a World Cup win in 2018, Deschamps feels 2026 is a good time to step down. Zinedine Zidane is a likely candidate to succeed him.

In a significant announcement, Didier Deschamps, France's longest-serving national football coach, confirmed his decision to leave the team after the 2026 World Cup. This revelation sets the stage for what many anticipate to be Zinedine Zidane's first foray into managing Les Bleus.

The French soccer federation has stated Deschamps will not renew his contract, which expires in 2026. While the team has yet to qualify for the tournament, FFF President Philippe Diallo mentioned it's premature to discuss a replacement, urging respect for Deschamps and his current tenure.

Deschamps, who led France to a spectacular World Cup victory in 2018 and reached the finals once again in 2022, believes this timeline allows for a dignified departure. Zidane, with an illustrious coaching record at Real Madrid, remains a frontrunner to capture the coveted coaching role once occupied by his World Cup-winning teammate.

(With inputs from agencies.)