France Coach Didier Deschamps Absent Match Against Norway to Attend Mother's Funeral
June 25, 2026 · Global
Didier Deschamps will miss the final group game against Norway at the World Cup to attend his mother's funeral, with his assistant coach Guy Stéphan taking temporary charge.
The French national team coach, Didier Deschamps, will return home from the World Cup after receiving sad news about the death of his mother. As a result, Deschamps will not lead his team in the final group match against Norway, as announced by the French football federation on Tuesday. The French football federation (FFF) stated that Deschamps learned of his mother's death early on Tuesday and would return to France to attend her funeral. "In this very sad moment, we wish the head coach strength and we guarantee the support of all parties," the FFF said, adding that its assistant coach, Guy Stéphan, would take temporary responsibility for the squad, including for Friday's game in Massachusetts, until Deschamps returns. The FFF did not reveal when Deschamps is expected to return to the United States. The 57-year-old had previously announced he would step down as France coach after this tournament, after 14 years at the helm. The former France captain led Les Bleus to glory at the 2018 World Cup and his team lost the 2022 final against Argentina on penalties. France have won their first two games at this World Cup, beating Senegal 3-1 and Iraq 3-0 to advance to the knockout stages. Norway have also won both their matches.