The World Cup will mark the end of an era as Didier Deschamps prepares to wave goodbye to France after the finals. Already a World Cup‑winning captain in 1998, Deschamps became only the third man to win the World Cup as a player and a manager in 2018 when he led France to the biggest prize in football.

In a Monday friendly in Lille, the 57‑year‑old will lead his nation for one final time on home soil before heading to the USA. A night likely filled with emotion, as midfielder Adrien Rabiot praised Deschamps’ work and urged fans to celebrate him for the dedication he has shown over the years.

Fans earlier in Nantes paid tribute by holding cardboard cut‑outs of Deschamps after a surprise 2-1 loss to Ivory Coast. Despite the defeat, the manager said he is not letting his farewell cloud the team’s focus, insisting that the positive energy from supporters is vital as France prepares for Group I matches in the USA.

Deschamps, who has also guided France to the last World Cup final, the Euro 2016 final and the Nations League title in 2021, thanked supporters for their gestures. With Senegal, Iraq and Norway looming, he wants the crowd’s positive vibes to carry the squad into the finals, where every point will shape France’s legacy.