Deschamps set for bittersweet ending to France reign as Zidane waits

MIAMI: Didier Deschamps brings the curtain down on a remarkable 14-year reign as France coach on Saturday when Les Bleus face England in the World Cup third-place play-off.
Waiting in the wings is Zinedine Zidane, Deschamps’ former teammate and one of the all-time great French players.
Deschamps, 57, had been determined to sign off by leading Les Bleus to a third World Cup triumph after a glittering career as a player and coach.
France justified their billing as favorites for the 2026 tournament with a series of swaggering attacking displays but came unstuck against Spain in the semifinals.
The painful 2-0 reverse in Arlington, Texas, denied them the chance to reach a third consecutive World Cup final and leaves them chasing bronze.
Characteristically, Deschamps is not anticipating an emotional farewell in Miami on Sunday.

Zinedine Zidane will be France next head coach, never in doubt since November as clear decision was made.

Zidane has already sorted his staff and the documents will be formally signed this month.

He’ll lead France into Nations League, Euro 2028 and World Cup 2030. pic.twitter.com/gBbJ7n4Fe0

— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) July 17, 2026

“I had the privilege of experiencing moments that were magical, and others that were difficult,” he said on the eve of the game.
“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.”
Deschamps will forever be remembered as the architect of France’s glorious 2018 World Cup campaign, 20 years after he captained the team to their first global crown.
The France team were at a low ebb in 2010, when they exited the World Cup in the group phase, with their campaign marred by a squad uprising