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Didier Deschamps reflects on France's World Cup journey after departure

Yahoo Sports • 1 min read • Latest: Jul 19, 2026, 1:32 AM

Last updated Jul 19, 2026

Didier Deschamps reflects on France's World Cup journey after departure

Summary

Didier Deschamps bids farewell to the French national team after 14 years as coach. He describes his tenure as a "truly wonderful adventure" despite a disappointing end to the recent World Cup campaign. After leading France to glory in 2018, Deschamps saw his team reach the finals again in 2022 but fall to Argentina. In the 2026 tournament, France was eliminated by Spain in the semifinals and suffered a chaotic third-place playoff loss to England, coming back from 4-0 down to finish 6-4. Deschamps expressed pride in the squad's achievements and optimism for future talent as he prepares to hand over coaching duties to Zinedine Zidane.

Source Links

Yahoo Sports

By the Numbers

•Deschamps coached France for 14 years, winning the 2018 World Cup.
•France lost to Spain 2-0 in the semi-finals of the 2026 tournament.
•The team failed to secure third place after a 6-4 loss to England.
•He reflected on the recent World Cup as a beautifully challenging experience.
•Zinedine Zidane is expected to succeed Deschamps as coach.

Latest Updates

1:32 AMYahoo Sports — Departing Deschamps looks back on 'wonderful' World Cup

What they're saying

"
France coach Didier Deschamps said he had experienced a "truly wonderful adventure" with his players as he bid farewell to the job on Saturday after 14 highly successful years in charge.Deschamps guided France to World Cup glory in Moscow in 2018, becoming one of only three men to have won it as both coach and player.
— Yahoo Sports

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