France confirm decision on Didier Deschamps’ future after Euro 2024 exit

Didier Deschamps has received the backing of the French Football Federation (FFF) to continue as France coach into the World Cup in two years’ time, following their Euro 2024 exit.

Along with England, France were pre-tournament favourites to be crowned European champions this summer. Despite underwhelming performances, the 2018 world champions reached the semi-finals, where they were beaten by a Lamine Yamal-inspired Spain.

The French displays, which saw the team struggled to score goals, had brought criticism. But FFF president Philippe Diallo has confirmed that a semi-final appearance met the summer’s minimum objective. And with Deschamps’ track record over the past decade and a contract with another two years to run, the country’s footballing chief sees no reason to part ways at this stage.

France were among pre-tournament favourites at Euro 2024 / Anadolu/GettyImages

“He does indeed have a contract and has fulfilled the sporting objective that was given to him. And when we look at his career at the head of the French team, it is exceptional. Didier led this team in the best possible way during this Euro,” Diallo told L’Equipe.

“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 higher. During this month, I have seen a lot of professionalism, a search for excellence.

“We must keep the French team in this direction.

“The overall result is positive insofar as the objective set for the semi-final was achieved. We must never trivialise such a result. Reaching the last four is the demonstration of a high-level performance that shows that the French team remains competitive and in the elite of the great football nations.”

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