France boss Didier Deschamps has confirmed his future regarding the position amid speculation that Zinedine Zidane is interested in succeeding him.
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After losing to Argentina in the final of the 2022 FIFA World Cup, the Bayonne native's contract with Les Bleus came to an end.
It was widely speculated that he would call time on his decade-long reign as national team boss. However, shortly after the defeat at the Lusail Stadium, the French Football Federation (FFF) announced that the former national team captain had extended his contract until the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
Deschamps has now dropped a bombshell regarding his future with the two-time world champions, claiming that the global showpiece set to be held in Mexico, Canada, and the United States of America will be his last competition as head coach, and that he will step down thereafter.
Speaking to TF1, the 56-year-old said: "I've been here since 2012 and will remain until 2026 and the next World Cup. But it will end there because it has to. In my mind, it's clear. 2026, it's fine."
He added: "You never want something good to end, but you have to know when to stop. There is a life after this, I don't know which one, but it will be very good still. Fourteen years is a lot. The most important is for France to remain on top like it is for several years."
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Prior to signing his last deal, the man rumoured to be his successor was Zinedine Zidane. Late last year, FFF president Philippe Diallo acknowledged the calls to have the former Real Madrid boss take the reins.
"Do people talk to me about Zidane? I'd be lying if I said no. I hear it all the time—on the pitch, from the public, and even from you. I'm not oblivious," Diallo told RMC Sport.
