Talant Dujshebaev to lead France!

Posted on 24. February 2026.

FFHandball president Philippe Bana announced the arrival of Talant Dujshebaev as head of Les Bleus after Guillaume Gille announced today, at a press conference held at the Handball House, that he is stepping down from the French national team. He will take up his duties from 16 March, at the start of the international week, with a double friendly against Spain.

During the press conference, national technical director Pascal Bourgeais also specified that the staff line-up would be revealed when the squad is announced, a few days before the next training camp (16–23 March; match in Le Mans on 19 March at 20:00, and in Ciudad Real on 22 March at 13:00). A new press conference will be held at the Handball House on Monday 16 March, with Talant Dujshebaev and the staff members present.

Statements

Philippe Bana: “Today’s press conference follows the EHF EURO played in Norway and Denmark, where our team failed to take the final step to reach the semi-finals — an underperformance for Les Bleus. It was necessary to take the time to analyse. I asked for an in-depth debriefing, studying every possible solution with Pascal Bourgeais, who experienced this campaign from the inside, and with Guillaume Gille, whom we have met since the end of the EURO. This led to Guillaume’s withdrawal, and I thank him for his constant commitment since 2020. At the same time, we drew up the profile of the coach capable of producing an electric shock for a team that is currently out of rhythm. We were looking for a coach close to the court, who has already managed national teams and knows the road through major competitions. I am delighted that Talant Dujshebaev, who was the first choice in this selection process, is joining us.”

Pascal Bourgeais: “The objective is to prepare qualification for the 2027 World Championship, with the double match-up against the Czech Republic scheduled in May. We are also already fully mobilised to prepare the next camp, which begins on 16 March at the Handball House. We will finalise the make-up of the staff, including the appointment of the assistant who will accompany Talant for the upcoming competitions. Yohan Delattre contacted me at the beginning of January to obtain five months’ availability to respond to an approach from Dunkerque’s management. He also expressed his wish not to continue beyond the EURO with the French team. His departure is not a consequence of Guillaume’s withdrawal.”

Talant Dujshebaev: “It is truly an honour for me to coach the French team. It’s something I wanted more than anything because France has a tremendous generation of players. My objective with these players is this: to win everything, to dominate again — especially Germany, Denmark… I am very proud that my profile attracted the attention of the French federation, and truly, very, very proud to have been chosen for this project.”

Guillaume Gille: “It is with full awareness and a sense of responsibility that I am bringing this fantastic adventure with the French team to an end. It has animated my daily life for almost 30 years since my first cap in 1996. It’s simply crazy to have lived through so many adventures and different missions. It is time to step aside and open a new chapter for me, with new roles still to be defined.

I realise how hard it is to close this great book of the French team. This decision is based on how I feel; it is not linked to the failure at the last EURO. As the person responsible for this project, I am fully aware that I did not enable this team to find the keys to success at the EURO. This adventure led me to deeper reflection and, for the first time, I asked myself: do I still have the energy this job requires? I was surprised by that question: if you ask yourself that… Out of love for what it represents, out of respect for the institution, you cannot cheat with this jersey. You cannot question your commitment… These weeks have been quite particular and led me to deep introspection.”

Guillaume Gille’s record

Appointed head coach of Les Bleus on 28 January 2020, Guillaume Gille led 110 matches (85 wins, 3 draws, 22 losses). He won two major titles: Olympic gold in Tokyo (2021) and the European Championship in Germany (2024). Two World Championship medals — silver in 2023 and bronze last year — complete his résumé. He took over after a very disappointing EHF EURO 2020 (13th place).