Who succeeds Deschamps? French Football Federation clarifies

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·22 de novembro de 2025

Who succeeds Deschamps? French Football Federation clarifies

Two strategic "windows" identified for France’s post 2026 transition

Who succeeds Deschamps? French Football Federation clarifies

Vídeos OneFootball

French FA president Philippe Diallo confirmed that the federation has two strategic moment to announce the successor to Didier Deschamps whose 14 year tenure with Les Bleus is scheduled to conclude after 2026 FIFA World Cup.

Diallo stressed that the transition will be managed with "calm, respect and zero disruption" to France’s preparations for the tournament.

Deschamps era nearing its final chapter

Since taking over in 2012, Deschamps has delivered one of the most successful runs in France’s history:

2014 World Cup – Quarterfinals
2018 World Cup – Champions
2022 World Cup – Finalists
UEFA Nations League 2021 – Champions
Euro 2016 – Finalists

He will lead France into USA, Mexico and Canada 2026 where his spell with the national team is expected to end unless something "unexpected" happens as Diallo hinted.

Dans un entretien accordé à «L'Équipe», le président de la FFF Philippe Diallo a ouvert la porte à une désignation du successeur de Didier Deschamps à la fin du premier trimestre de l'année 2026. ➡️ https://t.co/9MO3nfxpLh
– sábado, 22 de novembro de 2025

Zidane remains the obvious favourite but Diallo refuses to confirm

Though Zinedine Zidane has long been viewed as the natural heir, Diallo once again refused to publicly identify him as the frontrunner.

"This is not about building suspense" Diallo told L’Equipe. "It is matter of respecting Didier and his staff. They have led the national team for 14 year and I won’t introduce anything that may disturb the preparation for the World Cup. We will speak in July.. many things can happen"

Diallo added that he has "great admiration & respect" for Zidane both as football icon and as coach who won multiple Champions Leagues with Real Madrid but stressed that "everything has its time"

When will France announce their new coach?

Diallo confirmed two possible window:

Immediately after the 2026 World Cup
A bit earlier between March & April 2026 though he admitted this option is "unlikely" due to the risk of destabilising the squad.

He also suggested the announcement could involve Deschamps himself to ensure smooth and respectful transition.

France will play two friendly between 23 - 31 March 2026 before heading into World Cup scheduled from 11 Jun to 19 Jul 2026.

The French national team will discover their group opponents on 5 December 2025 when FIFA conducts the draw.