Fourteen years of dedication came to a bittersweet end for Didier Deschamps as he oversaw his final match as France manager in the 2026 World Cup third-place playoff. The match against England proved to be a rollercoaster encounter, ending in a 4-6 defeat after France fought back from a 0-4 halftime deficit.

“Today has been an exceptionally emotional day for me, given everything the French team has meant in my life, though all good things must come to an end,” Deschamps shared with beIN Sports after the match. “I will miss the French team.” His departure marks the conclusion of a remarkable 14-year tenure that included 120 victories, 35 draws, and 30 defeats, along with a World Cup triumph and two major final losses—Euro 2016 and the 2022 World Cup.

“I thoroughly enjoyed every moment”

Even in his farewell press conference, Deschamps maintained his high standards when assessing his team’s performance. “The first half was catastrophic,” he admitted. “Afterward, there was pride—we came close to turning a dire situation around. These players are top-level talents, young and full of potential. They have what it takes to remain among the world’s best.”

The departing manager praised his players, visibly moved: “I thanked them because there’s disappointment from the semi-finals, but also pride in their response. They must always carry that fire under the French jersey—nothing surpasses it. I also thanked them personally because I thoroughly enjoyed every moment of these weeks, especially the exchanges with both young and experienced players. Their future looks incredibly bright.”

Deschamps leaves behind a young squad, many of whom will still be in their prime for the next World Cup in four years. “The results of recent years have created expectations, but this isn’t pressure,” he explained regarding his successor. “The quality is there, though many other factors come into play. I’m incredibly proud of them, of everything we achieved together. There’s a united group, and I’m proud of my staff—and myself, a little. That’s it for me with the French team. I’m still young, but first, I’ll enjoy time with my family and rest. As I always say, the best is yet to come.”