News Focus
- Didier Deschamps will step down as France manager after the 2026 World Cup
- The 57-year-old insists he will not retire from football management
- Zinédine Zidane is the leading candidate to replace Deschamps
- The outgoing boss has hinted at a potential return to Italian football
Didier Deschamps has confirmed he will continue his career in football when he leaves his role with the France national team. The 57-year-old will end his 14-year spell as Les Bleus boss after the 2026 World Cup finishes this summer. He announced this decision two years ago.
Many experts believe Zinédine Zidane will become the next France manager. The former Real Madrid coach is expected to take over from his old international team-mate.
Deschamps spoke to the media shortly after naming his World Cup squad. When reporters asked about his future plans, he said he is keeping every option open. He explained, “I won’t deny myself anything. I am available, and everybody knows it. I won’t retire after the World Cup.”
The Frenchman is one of only a few people to win the World Cup as both a player and a manager. He lifted the trophy as a player in 1998 and as a boss in 2018. Several top European clubs, including Real Madrid, have reportedly shown interest in hiring him.
Deschamps also dropped a strong hint about his next destination. He told journalists that he is “brushing up on his Italian, we never know.” This comment suggests a move to Serie A could be possible.
The manager has strong connections with Italy. He played for Juventus between 1994 and 1999. He also coached the club during the 2006-07 season. He successfully guided Juventus back to Serie A following the Calciopoli scandal.