Didier Deschamps’ future as France manager would be questioned in event of elimination against Belgium

Didier Deschamps has been in his position as France manager since 2012, and possessing a contract that runs through until the World Cup in 2026, he does not seem particularly threatened. Pre-tournament, FFF president Philippe Diallo insisted that Deschamps’ position was not under threat, even in the event of a poor performance at this summer’s Euros.

“No, I don’t think that he will be at all under threat [if France didn’t reach the semi-finals, firstly because he has a contract until 2026,” Diallo told L’Équipe. However, L’Équipe understands that may not necessarily be the case.

Deschamps has almost built a dynasty and since winning the World Cup in 2018, he has a considerable amount of credit in the bank. However, that credit bank may be in need of a top-up. The relationship between Deschamps and Diallo is not as strong as that between the France manager and Diallo’s predecessor, Noël Le Graët, whose final act as FFF president was to hand Deschamps the extension until 2026, in the wake of Les Bleus’ World Cup final defeat to Argentina.

As a result, should France fail to progress to the quarter-finals of Euro 2024, when they face Belgium on Monday, Deschamps’ position would in fact come into question, according to L’Équipe. Even in the event of Les Bleus reaching the quarter-final of the tournament in Germany, there may be room for debate.

GFFN | Luke Entwistle