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World Cup: Deschamps set for emotional final match as France coach against England
18th July, 2026 08:44 AM
Didier Deschamps will oversee France as the head coach for the final time on Saturday, July 18, 2026, when Les Bleus meet England in the FIFA World Cup third-place playoff in Miami.
Speaking to reporters on Friday, July 17, 2026, ahead of the match, the 57-year-old acknowledged the end of his long spell with the national team.
“I know that the final curtain falls tomorrow,” he said during the pre-match media briefing.
Deschamps with France
Deschamps has led France since 2012, with his tenure officially concluding after the tournament.
France entered the World Cup among the leading contenders for the title but saw their hopes ended by a 2-0 semifinal defeat to Spain.
Reflecting on his journey, Deschamps said: “No one here is going to cry, but I know I’ll miss the French team. For 15 years, I had the privilege of experiencing moments that were magical, and others that were difficult.”
His connection with the national side spans a quarter of a century, having lifted the World Cup as captain in 1998 before guiding France to another triumph as head coach in 2018.
Despite bringing an end to a remarkable era, Deschamps remains optimistic about the future.
“But life goes on. I’m a positive person, and I know things will be good, too. It’s the best thing that ever happened to me,” he said.
He added: “It took up 25 years of my life and left a lasting mark. Unforgettable memories remain. But the most important thing is always what lies ahead.”
France disappointed
Although France missed out on a place in Sunday’s final, the veteran coach insisted his team still has a responsibility to finish the tournament on a positive note.
“We are disappointed because we had a lot of ambition for this competition,” he admitted. “We must accept the loss, and we now have this game around the corner, and then we will go on holiday — we all need it.”
Deschamps also emphasized the importance of approaching the playoff with commitment despite the disappointment of falling short of the final.
“The players, the staff and I have the duty to give it all and reach this last objective, less important than winning a final, but we are here,” he said. “The English team doesn’t want to play, and neither do we, but there is an objective, there is a game to play.”
