France head coach Didier Deschamps has described winning the FIFA World Cup as the greatest achievement, stating that nothing beats being a world champion as he prepares for his fourth and final World Cup tournament in charge of Les Bleus. Speaking to FIFA ahead of the 2026 World Cup, which will be held in North America from June 12, Deschamps reflected on his remarkable journey with France, having won the trophy as captain in 1998 and as coach in 2018.
Deschamps on the Meaning of Being a World Champion
“I've been lucky enough to win trophies at club level, the Champions League and more, but nothing beats being a world champion. Your name stays the same, but two words are added forever: 'world champion',” Deschamps said. The 57-year-old is one of only three men in football history to have won the World Cup as both a player and a coach, alongside Brazil's Mario Zagallo and Germany's Franz Beckenbauer. Another title this summer would further elevate his legacy and make him the first coach to win the World Cup twice after also lifting the trophy as a player.
Focus on the Present, Not the Past
Despite his accolades, Deschamps insisted he is not dwelling on the past. “I only ever think about today and tomorrow; that's just how I am. Honestly, nothing else matters. I'm focused on what lies ahead. What happened in 1998 and 2018 will always stay with me, but nothing can change the past. What matters now is what we do next,” he said.
France enter the tournament as one of the favourites after winning the World Cup in 2018 and finishing as runners-up to Argentina in the 2022 World Cup in Qatar. However, Deschamps warned that reputation alone will not bring success and termed Senegal as a top footballing nation. “We've built up expectations because of our results. We lifted the trophy in 2018 and reached the final in 2022, so our supporters expect us to be there towards the end again. We're one of the 10 or 12 nations that can realistically dream of becoming world champions. But there will be only one winner and many disappointed teams. There's no such thing as revenge in sport. It's history now. This is a new chapter. Senegal is a top footballing nation in Africa,” he said.
Group Stage and Opening Match
France open their campaign against Senegal before taking on Norway and Iraq in the group stage. The opening match revives memories of Senegal's shock victory over France at the 2002 World Cup, but Deschamps dismissed any revenge narrative. As he prepares for his final World Cup and ending a glorious 14-year tenure, Deschamps admitted he has not thought much about life after France, remaining fully focused on one last opportunity to chase the sport's ultimate prize and the beautiful game's highest crown. “I only ever think about today and tomorrow; that's just how I am. Honestly, nothing else matters. I'm focused on what lies ahead,” he said.
