Didier Deschamps is preparing to oversee his final match as head coach of the France national football team in the World Cup third-place playoff against England on Saturday in Miami. The 57-year-old coach, who has led France since 2012, reflected on his tenure ahead of the game, acknowledging both the achievements and challenges encountered during his 15 years in charge.

Deschamps’ tenure has been marked by significant success, including winning the World Cup in 2018 and reaching the final in the 2022 tournament in Qatar, as well as his earlier triumph as a player when France lifted the trophy on home soil in 1998. Despite entering the 2026 World Cup with hopes of securing a third title, France fell 2-0 to European champions Spain in the semifinals. This loss places them against England, who themselves were eliminated by defending champions Argentina.

Speaking at a pre-match press conference on Friday, Deschamps described the approaching match as the “final curtain” of his coaching career with the national team. While he stated that no tears would be shed, he admitted to feeling nostalgic about parting ways with the team. “For 15 years, I had the privilege of experiencing moments that were magical, and others that were difficult,” he said. He emphasized his positive outlook, adding that coaching the French team had been the most significant experience of his life, occupying 25 years and leaving unforgettable memories.

Deschamps also expressed disappointment over France’s performance in the tournament, noting that the team had not played the football they aimed for. “We are disappointed because we had a lot of ambition for this competition,” he said. He acknowledged the need to accept their semifinal defeat and focus on the upcoming third-place match before moving on to a well-deserved break.

The third-place playoff between France and England is set to conclude Deschamps’ lengthy and decorated association with Les Bleus, marking the end of an era for the French national team.