"Salute our players, Didier and entire staff": FFF President Diallo pays tribute as France's campaign ends in FIFA World Cup 2026
Paris, July 19
French Football Federation president Philippe Diallo paid an emotional tribute to Didier Deschamps and the France squad after Les Bleus' FIFA World Cup 2026 campaign ended with a 6-4 defeat to England in the third-place playoff, thanking the outgoing coach for his remarkable 14-year contribution to French football.
Sharing a post on X after Saturday's defeat, Diallo praised the players, coaching staff and supporters who stood behind the team throughout the tournament.
"Our journey comes to an end this evening against England, at the close of an intense World Cup that we've wrapped up in 4th place. Congratulations to the Three Lions. I want to salute our players, Didier Deschamps, and the entire staff, who have carried our colours with honour and given their very best. A huge thank you to our supporters. In France and everywhere around the world, you have accompanied the Bleus at every step of this adventure. Your passion, your loyalty, and your fervour have been a strength for this team," Diallo wrote.
The defeat also brought the curtain down on Deschamps' celebrated spell as France head coach. Having taken charge in 2012, the former captain guided Les Bleus to the 2018 FIFA World Cup title, the 2022 World Cup final and the UEFA Nations League crown in 2021, while establishing France as one of world football's dominant forces.
Diallo said Deschamps had left behind a legacy that would be remembered for generations.
"This match also closes a major chapter in the history of the French national team. For 14 years, Didier Deschamps has shaped the Bleus with rigour, humility, and a winning culture that will remain a benchmark. He has guided the emergence of numerous internationals, united several generations around strong values, and contributed to strengthening the unique bond between the French people and their national team," he added.
The FFF president also reflected on the outgoing coach's achievements.
"7 major competitions, 3 finals, World Champion 2018, Winner of the Nations League 2021. Beyond this exceptional record, Didier leaves behind an immense legacy: that of a France team durably established among the greatest footballing nations in the world. On behalf of the @FFF and all lovers of the Bleus: Thank you, Didier. Your imprint will remain forever etched in the history of the France team," he concluded.
France's final outing under Deschamps turned into a goal-filled thriller. England raced into a 4-0 half-time lead through Declan Rice, Ezri Konsa and Bukayo Saka's brace before France mounted a spirited comeback.
Kylian Mbappe scored twice, with Bradley Barcola and Ousmane Dembele also finding the net, but Saka completed his hat-trick from the penalty spot before Jude Bellingham sealed England's dramatic 6-4 victory in stoppage time.
Mbappe nevertheless finished the tournament on a historic note. His brace took his tally to 10 goals in the 2026 edition, putting him ahead of Argentina captain Lionel Messi in the Golden Boot race.
The two goals also lifted his overall World Cup tally to 22 in just 22 appearances, making him the competition's all-time leading goalscorer, surpassing Messi's 21.
— ANI
Reader Comments
French Football Federation's tribute to Deschamps is well deserved. 14 years at the helm, a World Cup win, another final, Nations League trophy - that's a golden era for any national team. As someone who follows European football closely, I'd say he's been France's best coach since the modern era began. But I do wonder if France could have done better with a more attacking approach in this tournament. Sometimes his defensive style held them back, especially in knockout games. Still, a massive legacy no doubt 🙏
To be brutally honest, France looked a bit off throughout this World Cup. They had moments of brilliance like that comeback against England, but in the semifinal they were outplayed by Brazil. Deschamps has done wonders for French football, but maybe it was time for a change. Mbappe scoring 22 World Cup goals is insane though - he's ahead of Messi, Klose, Ronaldo now. As a neutral fan watching from abroad, I'd say this French team has some incredible individual talent but the collective organisation wasn't quite there this time.
What a game! Sat through the entire match and couldn't believe the scoreline. India doesn't get to see these high-profile games often enough on free TV. But watching Mbappe break Messi's record was something special. The guy has 22 goals in just 22 World Cup matches - that's a goal per game average that's absolutely freakish. And he's only 27. Imagine if he plays until he's 35, he might end up with 40+ World Cup goals 🐐
One thing I noticed though: French defence was shocking in this tournament. Conceding 6 goals in a playoff game is not what champions do. Deschamps needs to fix that before the Euros.
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