For his last speech at a Federal Assembly on Saturday, the coach of the Blues underlined the essential role of amateur football and made an appointment for the 2026 World Cup.
It was past midday when Didier Deschamps spoke his last words at the podium of the FFF Winter Federal Assembly in Paris this Saturday, December 13. Tradition dictates, the coach of the French team sent his best wishes to the representatives present. And everyone stood up to give him a warm standing ovation. Previously, the boss of the Blues, who had succeeded his counterparts from the French Espoirs Team Gérald Baticle and the French Women’s Team Laurent Bonadei, had paid tribute to the work carried out on a daily basis by the clubs, districts and leagues and took stock of the 2025 team of France, qualified for the 17th World Cup in its history in the United States next summer (June 11-July 19). What to remember from his speech.
AMATEUR FOOTBALL
“I want to show my gratitude to you. The foundation of our football is amateur football. Within our clubs, districts and leagues – including in Overseas Territories – your involvement and dedication are essential. It is your work in contact with younger generations that allows you to lead them towards the professional elite. Bravo for this passion that drives you and thank you. French football needs you. Professional football and the French team are highlighted but you deserve this spotlight. »
THE FRANCE TEAM IN 2025
“For the French team, the year 2025 began with a qualifying match for the Final Four against Croatia: the first leg went rather badly but the return, thanks to fabulous enthusiasm, went better with a penalty shootout which we won this time (laughs)! In the semi-finals, we failed to qualify against Spain, the defending champion and world reference. We concluded this first half with a victory over Germany, synonymous with 3rd place in the Nations League. »
THE 2026 WORLD CUP
“Despite a very high number of injured players during the three gatherings, the qualifying phase for the 2026 World Cup went very well. The French team has won its ticket. These are moments that should be appreciated and not trivialized. I have a distant memory of following a World Cup in the United States on TV, this time I will be there. Since the draw, we know two of our opponents as well as the locations of our matches. With my staff and the services of the Federation, we spend a lot of time to prepare as best as possible for this deadline. We will have a small rehearsal in March with our tour of the United States punctuated by two friendlies against Brazil and Colombia. Then there will be the list in May. We will make sure to go as high as possible, you can count on me. I am well aware that this is the last time that I will address you here. Today is therefore a special moment for me but tomorrow is even more important with the United States. »
The staff of the French A, Women’s and Under-20 Teams during the Assembly (photo Charles LEGER / FFF).
The coaches of the French Espoirs Team Gérald Baticle and the French Women’s Team Laurent Bonadei also took stock of their year 2025 and set the course for 2026.
Gérald BATICLE (coach of the French Espoirs team): “I give a solid assessment of our year 2025 marked by a semi-final at the Euro where we failed to beat Germany. We will continue to work to finalize the final details. We started qualifying, are leading and undefeated in our group with one game less than Switzerland. Alongside the results, our squad is made up of very mature players with a lot of ambition. It’s a great generation. One of our pillars is the bridge with the French team. Over the last two years, 12 players have worn the Espoirs jersey and then joined Didier Deschamps and his staff. It is the result of excellent collaboration with an incredible quality of exchanges. In 2026, all our energy will be mobilized to obtain qualification for Euro 2027 and continue to support the A.”
Laurent BONADEI (coach of the French Women’s Team): “It was a year full of emotions and matches. We played 16 but I would have liked to play 18! We have had 11 victories in a row, unfortunately this Euro quarter-final against Germany caused a big disappointment. The second part of the year ends on a positive note with this 3rd place in the Nations League against Sweden. I will remember the positive points: 6 victories in 6 matches during the Nations League qualifiers, the fact of having beaten England, European champion, and Brazil, winner of the Copa America, or even having launched young players since 9 players had their first selection like Wassa Sangaré, finalist of the Women’s Euro U19. Next March, we will begin the qualifiers for the 2027 World Cup. I hope for a good qualifying campaign. »
