Deschamps misses historic feat of three finals as coach;
According to Vi.
Context
Didier Deschamps, who already led France to victories in 2018 and a defeat in 2022, now has two finals under his belt, a feat that puts him alongside great coaches in the history of football. The possibility of Scaloni joining this group is a narrative that could shape the future of the Argentine national team, especially with the 2026 World Cup on the horizon.
Why this matters
France's elimination in the semi-finals of the 2026 World Cup is a significant moment for Didier Deschamps, who failed to become the first coach to reach three World Cup finals. This defeat not only prevents Deschamps from making history, but also highlights the competitiveness of the tournament, where teams like Spain continue to show their strength. The possibility of Scaloni matching that feat with Argentina adds an extra layer of excitement to the competition.
Main conclusions
- Deschamps misses historic feat of three finals as coach;.
- Deschamps' France fell against Spain and the coach does not reach his third World Cup final.
- Frankrijk feature in the latest World Cup 2026 developments.
Didier Deschamps was one step away from an unprecedented feat. France's defeat to Spain in the semi-finals prevented the French coach from becoming the first coach to reach three World Cup finals. Deschamps had already led Les Bleus to the decisive game in 2018, crowning themselves champion against Croatia, and in 2022, when they lost the trophy to Argentina after a penalty shoot-out.
With this outcome, the French coach remains in the group of coaches with two World Cup finals under his belt, including illustrious names such as Vittorio Pozzo, Carlos Bilardo, Franz Beckenbauer, Helmut Schön and Mário Zagallo. Among them, only Pozzo lifted the Cup on two occasions as a coach — both with Italy, in 1934 and 1938, a double that no one has repeated to this day. Beckenbauer reached the finals in 1986 and 1990 with Germany (champion in 1990), Bilardo led Argentina to the finals in 1986 (title) and 1990, Schön led the then West Germany to the decisive games in 1966 and 1974 (champion in 1974) and Zagallo was in the finals in 1970 (title with Brazil) and 1998 (defeat against France).
The person who can still write another relevant page in this edition is Lionel Scaloni. If Argentina eliminates England in Wednesday's semi-final, the Albiceleste coach will guarantee the second consecutive final and join this restricted group of coaches with two World Cup decisions. What's more: a possible triumph on Sunday would allow him to equal the legendary Vittorio Pozzo as two-time world champion on the bench. Remember that the last country to successfully defend the title was Brazil, in 1962, although with different coaches between 1958 (Vicente Feola) and 1962 (Aymoré Moreira) — which is why Pozzo's double remains unique among selectors.
On the other hand, there is also material for the history books. Thomas Tuchel, current England coach, is seeking to become the first foreign coach to become world champion at the helm of a country other than his own. To date, no non-native coach has won the World Cup. Ernst Happel came close in 1978, when he led the Netherlands to the final, which they lost in extra time against Argentina.
So, while Spain waits for an opponent in the final after defeating France, all attention turns to the clash between Argentina and England. At stake will not only be a place in the decisive match, but also important historical milestones for Scaloni and Tuchel. For Deschamps, the frustration of seeing the third final of his career slip away, in a World Cup that, once again, continues to produce narratives and records worthy of the biggest stage in world football.
What happens next
With Argentina facing England in the semi-finals, Lionel Scaloni has the chance to secure his second consecutive final at the 2026 World Cup. If Argentina win, Scaloni will join a select group of coaches with two appearances in the final, and could even equal Vittorio Pozzo in titles. Expectations are high, as a victory would not only solidify Scaloni's position, but also add to the historic rivalry between Argentina and England.
Frequently asked questions
What happened to Didier Deschamps in the semi-finals?
Didier Deschamps and France were defeated by Spain in the semi-finals, preventing him from reaching his third World Cup final as coach.
Who confirmed France's defeat?
France's defeat was confirmed by the result of the semi-final game against Spain.
Why is Scaloni's next match important?
Scaloni's next match is important because, if Argentina
If he beats England, he will secure a second consecutive final and could equal Vittorio Pozzo as two-time world champion.
What changes could occur if Scaloni wins?
If Scaloni beats England, he will join the select group of coaches with two World Cup finals and have the chance to become two-time champion.
What historic feat did Deschamps fail to achieve?
Deschamps failed to become the first coach to reach three World Cup finals as coach.