Deschamps equals Helmut Schön and targets record for greatest World Cup coach in history

Didier Deschamps has equalled the World Cup wins record held by German Helmut Schön, following France’s first two victories in this 2026 World Cup against Senegal (3-1) and Austria. The French manager now has 16 wins in the final tournament, level with the former Mannschaft coach, who compiled this total across the 1966, 1970, 1974 and 1978 editions.

Deschamps’ tally spans four World Cups: three wins in 2014, six in 2018, five in 2022 and two in 2026. His overall record in 21 matches stands at 16 wins, two defeats and three draws. He now surpasses Uruguayan Oscar Tabarez and Brazilian Mario Zagallo, both credited with 20 matches managed in the final tournament.

The third group match against Norway on Friday will offer him the chance to take sole possession of the wins record. But another milestone looms on the horizon: the most matches managed at a World Cup, still held by Schön with 25 matches. Deschamps, at 21 matches, will need to reach the quarter-finals to begin closing that four-match gap.

The sporting stakes of this American edition are equally historic. Deschamps is competing in this World Cup with the ambition of reaching a third consecutive final — a feat no manager has ever achieved in the competition’s history.