News Focus
- Didier Deschamps will take charge of his final match on French soil against Northern Ireland in Lille
- The 57-year-old will step down as France manager after the 2026 World Cup, ending a 14-year era
- Deschamps is only the third person to win the World Cup as both a player and a manager
- Midfielder Adrien Rabiot praises the coach’s ability to unite the squad and manage players effectively
- France will use the friendly as a “last rehearsal” before facing Senegal, Iraq and Norway in Group I
The 2026 World Cup will mark the end of an era for French football. Didier Deschamps will leave his post as manager when the tournament finishes. His remarkable 14-year spell in charge will come to a close.
Deschamps holds a special place in history. He became only the third man to win the World Cup as both a player and a manager. He first lifted the trophy as captain in 1998. Twenty years later, he led France to glory again from the dugout.
On Monday night, the 57-year-old will take charge of his final match on home soil. France face Northern Ireland in a friendly clash in Lille. This gives supporters one last chance to see him manage the team in France before they travel to the United States.
Adrien Rabiot expects an emotional evening. The AC Milan midfielder spoke about the upcoming farewell. He said the coach deserves a proper celebration after his excellent work. Rabiot praised Deschamps for uniting the squad and treating every player with compassion.
Last Thursday in Nantes, supporters showed their love for the manager. They held up cardboard cut-outs with his face during the 2-1 defeat to Ivory Coast. Deschamps thanked the fans for this gesture. However, he wants the focus to remain on the team, not his personal departure.
France will compete in Group I at the World Cup. Their opponents include Senegal, Iraq and Erling Haaland’s Norway. Several important players return for the Lille match. Arsenal defender William Saliba is back in the squad. Ousmane Dembele and Desire Doue from Champions League winners Paris Saint-Germain are also available.
Rabiot says the team will not treat this as a simple friendly. He called it the “last rehearsal” before their opening game against Senegal on 16 June. The midfielder wants France to play at full strength. He believes they need to enter the World Cup with high confidence.