Didier Deschamps to remain France coach until 2026 World Cup

(FILES) In this file photo taken on December 18, 2022 France’s coach Didier Deschamps displays his silver medal during the Qatar 2022 World Cup trophy ceremony after losing the football final match between Argentina and France at Lusail Stadium in Lusail, north of Doha. – Didier Deschamps extends stay as France coach until 2026, he announced at the French Football Federation’s general assembly in Paris on January 7, 2023. (Photo by FRANCK FIFE / AFP)

Didier Deschamps said on Saturday he will remain France coach until the 2026 World Cup after leading the team to the final of the last two editions.

Deschamps’ contract expired after the World Cup in Qatar where defending champions France lost to Argentina in a penalty shootout after a thrilling final on December 18.

It had been reported that French Football Federation (FFF) president Noel Le Graet only wanted to give Deschamps a two-year extension until the 2024 European Championship but the 54-year-old coach had insisted on staying in charge until the next World Cup in the United States, Canada and Mexico.

“I am going to announce something which for me is an immense pleasure, and that is that the president has decided to extend (my contract) until 2026,” Deschamps said at the FFF general assembly.

“I thank the president for his constant support and his continued confidence in me,” Deschamps added. “It is essential for the France team to function well.”

Former Marseille and Juventus midfielder Deschamps captained France on home soil when they won their first World Cup in 1998 and he became coach of the national team in 2012.

He guided France to the Euro 2016 final where they lost to Cristiano Ronaldo’s Portugal and two years later led Les Bleus to glory at the World Cup in Russia,