Didier Deschamps has become the most experienced head coach in FIFA World Cup history after leading France from the bench for his 26th match in the tournament.
The milestone came during France’s semi-final appearance against Spain, allowing Deschamps to overtake Germany’s Helmut Schön, who previously held the record with 25 World Cup games as a manager. Brazil’s Carlos Alberto Parreira ranks third with 23 matches.
Deschamps’ World Cup legacy is unique. He lifted the trophy as France’s captain in 1998 before guiding Les Bleus to another World Cup title as head coach in 2018 — becoming only the third person in history to win the tournament both as a player and a manager.
With his latest achievement, Deschamps further cements his place among the greatest figures in World Cup history.