Didier Deschamps sets historic record for World Cup knockout wins
The France head coach has become the first manager to record ten victories in knockout matches at the World Cup.
Photo: Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 4.0 / Author: YantsImages
France head coach Didier Deschamps has made football history by setting a new, unique achievement at the World Cup. The French team's 1-0 victory over Paraguay in the 2026 World Cup Round of 16 marked the 57-year-old manager's tenth win in knockout matches.
No other coach had previously managed to reach double digits in knockout round victories. Deschamps began his path to this record at the 2014 World Cup, followed by a tournament victory in 2018 and a final appearance in 2022.
Beyond this knockout stage record, Deschamps remains the most successful coach in World Cup history in terms of total match wins, currently holding 18 victories. Following the conclusion of the 2026 World Cup, the French manager will step down from the post he has held since 2012.
In the quarter-finals of the current tournament, France is set to face Morocco. The match will take place on July 9, kicking off at 23:00 Kyiv time.