France and England meet in the FIFA World Cup third-place playoff, but the biggest story surrounding Les Bleus is the departure of Didier Deschamps.
The 57-year-old is officially stepping down after a legendary 14-year tenure as head coach of the France national team.
His managerial achievements include winning the 2018 FIFA World Cup and the 2021 UEFA Nations League, reaching the finals of UEFA Euro 2016 and the 2022 FIFA World Cup, and guiding France to the semifinals of the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
After winning the 1998 FIFA World Cup as a player, Deschamps lifted the trophy again as a manager in 2018, becoming only the third person in history to achieve the feat.
Under his leadership, France recorded 20 World Cup victories, the most by any head coach in tournament history.
Zinedine Zidane to Replace Didier Deschamps
The French Football Federation (FFF) has finalized a four-year deal with Real Madrid legend and 1998 World Cup winner Zinedine Zidane. His tenure will officially begin on September 1, 2026.
Zidane is expected to sign a contract that will keep him in charge through the 2030 FIFA World Cup, covering France's campaigns at UEFA Euro 2028 and the UEFA Nations League.
Kylian Mbappé also paid tribute to Deschamps in an emotional post on social media.
"You who have given us so much, we should have offered you a better ending, but we failed," Mbappé wrote.
Photo by FRANCK FIFE / AFP via Getty Images
"To put into words all that you have brought us for the past 14 years is very difficult. You have been such a major part of the rebuilding of this team. People didn't always know how to appreciate your greatness, but time and history will change all of that."
Where is Didier Deschamps Going Next?
Deschamps has not announced his next destination and is expected to take a break from coaching. Having planned his departure as early as January 2025, he dedicated his final months entirely to France's 2026 World Cup campaign.
According to reports, clubs from Saudi Arabia have already made contact regarding his availability. The Saudi Pro League has the financial resources to tempt him into an ambitious project should he decide to return to management.
Deschamps also has roots in club soccer, having previously managed Juventus and Marseille. He has frequently been linked with a return to either Italy or France, although nothing has been confirmed at this stage.
