Fourteen years of leadership came to an end with a dramatic match. Didier Deschamps concluded his final game as France national team coach during the 2026 World Cup third-place playoff against England, where Les Bleus suffered a narrow defeat 4-6 after mounting a strong comeback from a 4-0 halftime deficit.

“This has been an extraordinary day for me, given everything the France national team has meant in my life. All good things must come to an end,” Deschamps shared during an emotional interview with beIN Sports. “I will miss the France national team.” His departure marks the end of a 185-match tenure that included 120 victories, 35 draws, and 30 defeats, along with a World Cup title and two runner-up finishes at Euro 2016 and the 2022 World Cup.

“I truly enjoyed every moment”

Even in his farewell, Deschamps maintained his high standards in assessing his team’s performance. “The first half was catastrophic,” he admitted. “But there was pride afterward—we came close to turning a hopeless situation around. These players are world-class, young, and full of potential. They have what it takes to remain at the top.”

Despite the disappointment of the semifinal loss, Deschamps publicly praised his squad, visibly moved: “I thanked them because of the heartbreak from the semifinals, but also for their pride in fighting back. They must carry this fire under the France jersey—nothing compares to it. I also thanked them on a personal level because I truly enjoyed every moment, especially the exchanges with players of all ages. The future looks bright for them.”

He leaves behind a young team where most key players will still be in their prime for the next World Cup in four years. “Given the results over these years, there’s certainly expectation—but not pressure,” he explained regarding his successor. “The quality is there; what’s needed now are other ingredients. I’m immensely proud of them, of everything we achieved together, and of the unity within the group. I’m proud of my staff and, to some extent, myself. This chapter is closing for me, at least as far as the France national team is concerned. I may be getting older, but first, I’ll take time to rest and enjoy my family. As I always say, the best is yet to come.”