“It will be 2026,” Deschamps told French broadcaster TF1. “I have been there since 2012, it is planned that I will be there until 2026… the next World Cup.
“It will end there because it has to end at some point. It’s clear in my mind.
“I have done my time, with the same desire, the same passion to keep the France team at the highest level, but 2026 is good.”
Deschamps, aged 56, achieved World Cup success with France in 2018 in Russia and led the team to the final of the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, where they were defeated by Argentina in a penalty shootout. Following this disappointing outcome in Doha, the French Football Federation granted Deschamps a four-year contract extension. However, this decision faced criticism, particularly after France's semi-final exit in last year's Euros.
The latter part of 2024 proved challenging for Deschamps, especially with ongoing discussions regarding the exclusion of star player Kylian Mbappe from the squad. Mbappe had a rocky start at Real Madrid and was reportedly involved in a rape allegation during a visit to Stockholm, although the investigation has since been closed.
With his future now clarified, Deschamps can concentrate on the upcoming Nations League quarter-final in March against Croatia, the team they defeated in the 2018 World Cup final. He previously led France to victory in the Nations League in 2021. The only major title missing from his achievements is the European Championship, with France's closest attempt being a loss to Portugal on home ground in 2016.
Additionally, Deschamps must ensure France qualifies for the 2026 World Cup, which will be hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico. As a player, he captained France to their 1998 World Cup victory against Brazil. Once labeled a “water carrier” by Eric Cantona, Deschamps also led France to the Euro 2000 championship.
He was a key player for Marseille, the only French club to win the Champions League, triumphing over AC Milan in the 1993 final. Deschamps is among only three individuals to have won the World Cup as both a player and a coach, joining the ranks of Brazil's Mario Zagallo and Germany's Franz Beckenbauer, both of whom passed away last year.
“One never wants to stop when something is a beautiful thing, but one has to realise when it is necessary to stop,” said Deschamps.
“There is life after it, I have no idea what it will be, but it will be really good as well.”