France to play final World Cup match as Deschamps departs

France's national soccer team will play its final match of the 2026 FIFA World Cup on Saturday, July 18, in Miami, a game that will mark the end of Didier Deschamps' historic 14-year tenure as head coach. The team's hopes for a third tournament title ended with a 2-0 semifinal loss to Spain in Arlington, Texas, on Tuesday, July 14, setting up a third-place playoff against either Argentina or England.

Deschamps, 57, confirmed in January 2025 that he would not seek a contract extension beyond this World Cup. His final game will conclude a reign that began in July 2012, transforming France into one of international soccer's most consistent powers. Under his leadership, Les Bleus won the 2018 World Cup, the 2021 UEFA Nations League, finished as runners-up in the 2022 World Cup, reached the final of UEFA Euro 2016, and advanced to the semifinals of UEFA Euro 2024 and the 2026 World Cup.

The semifinal defeat in Dallas, where France managed only 10 shots, was a disappointing conclusion to the team's championship aspirations. Former France midfielder Patrick Vieira said the team's top players "went missing" and the collective performance was poor. Deschamps, however, set a record during...