Future looks bright for youthful, Mbappe-led France

But coach Deschamps yet to decide on next move amid contract uncertainty

Didier Deschamps said he would wait before deciding whether to remain as coach of France in the wake of their World Cup final defeat, but the future prospects remain bright for a side brimming with young talent and led by Kylian Mbappe.

Deschamps was hoping to lead the 2018 world champions to back-to-back titles in Qatar, and they came agonizingly close, losing the final to Argentina on penalties following a thrilling 3-3 draw after extra time.

The shootout defeat prevented Deschamps — who captained Les Bleus to glory in 1998 — from becoming the first coach to win the World Cup twice since Vittorio Pozzo in the 1930s.

The 54-year-old, in charge since 2012, is now out of contract but French Football Federation President Noel Le Graet had said Deschamps would be offered new terms if he reached the semifinals.

Asked whether the result of the final would influence a decision on his future, Deschamps said: "Even with a different result I would not have given an answer today."

"Obviously I am very sad. I will have a meeting with the president at the start of the new year and you will know after that," he added.

Once the dust has settled on a draining campaign, France must turn their attentions to qualifying for Euro 2024, which begins in March against the Netherlands.

France will be expected to qualify without too many problems for the tournament in Germany, which is just 18 months away.

Their recent record is remarkable, with Deschamps having led them to the Euro 2016 final and then to glory in Russia four years ago. They also won the Nations League last year.

France's campaign in Qatar had appeared cursed before it started with injuries depriving them of Paul Pogba and N'Golo Kante while Karim Benzema also withdrew just before the tournament began.