France coach Didier Deschamps has ended his 14-year tenure, describing his time with the national team as a "truly wonderful adventure." The 57-year-old departs after a 2026 World Cup campaign that saw Les Bleus fall short in the semi-finals and lose a chaotic third-place playoff. Main Developments Deschamps' final match was a 6-4 defeat to England in the third-place playoff on Saturday. France trailed 4-0 at halftime before mounting a spirited comeback that ultimately fell short. Earlier in the tournament, France impressed in the group stage but lost 2-0 to Spain in the semi-finals. Background Deschamps became one of only three men to win the World Cup as both a player and a coach when France triumphed in Moscow in 2018. He also led France to the 2022 final in Doha, where they lost to Argentina on penalties. His 14-year reign made him the longest-serving France coach in modern history. Read also: Why Mbappe's World Cup record will stand for decades Why It Matters Deschamps leaves behind a squad with significant young talent, as he noted, "There are quite a few young players who will continue to develop." His departure marks a generational shift for French football, with Zinedine Zidane widely expected to take over. The transition comes after a tournament that showcased both France's depth and its vulnerability against top-tier opposition. What's Next Deschamps will hand over the reins, almost certainly to Zinedine Zidane, who has been linked to the role for years. The incoming coach will inherit a team that Deschamps believes has "the talent to keep achieving very good results." France's next competitive fixtures will be the European Championship qualifiers, where the new coach's vision will be tested.