How Didier Deschamps adaptable method propelled France to three straight World Cup semi-finals | OneFootball

According to L'E quipe, Didier Deschamps has forged an unmatched run of three straight World Cup semi-finals, built on constant adaptation. Matching it will demand plenty of courage and a little luck from whoever follows him.

From 2018 to 2026, his World Cup record has been spotless. While critics questioned his style or selections at times, his response was to adjust relentlessly to circumstance.

The 2026 version remains pragmatic, yet carries more tactical boldness. He now fields four attackers, encourages full-backs to raid and worries less about opposition transitions, underpinned by quick centre-backs and forwards committed to defending.

In 2022 he had already tilted forward, using Antoine Griezmann as a roaming midfielder in a three-man unit. There were still four attackers, though on the right Ousmane Demb l often worked like an auxiliary full-back.

Since the Doha final, resources have shifted. Rarely has he had so many elite forwards, and he chose not to leave them unused. Continuity also defined his staff, with only one change as fitness coach Gr gory Dupont departed for Real Madrid after 2018 and was replaced by Cyril Moine.

As player codes evolved, so did his leadership. In 2026 he leans more on Kylian Mbapp than he once did on Hugo Lloris, using his captain as a conduit for the squads mood. Standards still apply. A repeat latecomer was told there would not be a third time.

Team life has varied, a tight collective in 2018, less obvious early in 2022. In Boston he worked to create a content camp, refusing to compromise on work and living frameworks even if they widened for a new generation, and granting regular breaks in a longer tournament. Minor grumbles are inevitable, but the method continues to deliver.

Source: L'Équipe