The French Football Federation (FFF) have announced that Didier Deschamps’ decision has been made and he has extended his contract as France manager until 2026.
Noël Le Graët, president of the FFF, had promised that should Deschamps make the semi-final of the World Cup in Qatar, his future was in his own hands. The president has since expressed a desire for Deschamps to remain as manager of Les Bleus beyond the end of the tournament, and his words were echoed by Emmanuel Macron.
Just prior to the expiry of Deschamps’ last contract, the France manager met with Le Graët in Guingamp, where a shared desire to continue their adventure was expressed. That desire has now manifested itself in an official agreement, and Deschamps will now continue as France manager until 2026, meaning he will lead Les Bleus in Euro 2024 in Germany and at the 2026 World Cup, which will take place in the United States of America, Canada and Mexico.
It was reported in Le Parisien that the only potential sticking point in negotiations was the duration of the contract, with Deschamps reportedly insistent on continuing until 2026. Le Graët has now granted Deschamps that wish with the deal completed last night and officialised this morning.
GFFN | Luke Entwistle
