France confirm whether Didier Deschamps will stay as manager after Euro 2024 semi-final elimination against Spain
Philippe Diallo, the president of the French Football Federation, has confirmed that Didier Deschamps will continue as the France manager. He has no doubt that the coach will lead the lead to the World Cup 2026.
Diallo said to L'Equipe that Deschamps has a project in his hands and will continue to work on it. He does not see the EURO 2024 exit as a reason to change the plans and said:
"He does indeed have a contract and has fulfilled the sporting objective that was given to him. When we look at his career at the manager of the French team, it is exceptional. Didier led this team in the best possible way during the Euros."
He added:
"I do not see any reason to question his contract. Past results speak in his favour and the objectives have been achieved. Didier will continue his mission. We will discuss together in the coming days to analyse in more depth what we lacked during this semi-final and what would have allowed us to go further.
"This month, I have seen a lot of professionalism, a search for excellence. We must keep the French team heading in this direction."
Didier Deschamps' France made it to the semifinal at the EURO 2024 but were beaten 2-1 by Spain on July 9. Randal Kolo Munani gave them the lead early in the ninth minute. However, goals from Lamine Yamal (21') and Dani Olmo (25') saw the Spanish side take the lead and managed to hold on until the end.
Didier Deschamps refused to answer question on his future
Didier Deschamps was not happy with the question about his future after their EURO 2024 exit. He called for respect and said that the FFF president was bound to make the final decision and he knew what it would be.
He said via Metro:
"What happened, happened. I am here to respond to your questions but I won't respond to that one today. Even if you know my situation very well, you know full well what my president [Philippe Diallo] thinks so you maybe didn't even have to ask the question."
France appointed Didier Deschamps in 2012 and he has been the manager of the national side since. His current contract expires after the 2026 FIFA World Cup. He won the 2018 FIFA World Cup and the 2021 UEFA Nations League with them.