France coach Didier Deschamps flies home for mother's funeral, will miss Norway World Cup game
France manager Didier Deschamps will fly home for his mother's funeral, missing Friday's World Cup group finale against Norway. Assistant Guy Stéphan takes temporary charge.
Personal loss and immediate departure
The death of Deschamps' mother was learned by the France squad on Tuesday morning, the French Football Federation confirmed. Deschamps, 57, is returning to France to attend her funeral, leaving the team's base in the United States. He will not oversee training sessions ahead of the Norway match and will be absent from the bench for Friday's final Group I fixture in Foxborough, Massachusetts.
Temporary leadership of the squad
Assistant coach Guy Stéphan has been entrusted with leading the squad until Deschamps returns. The decision was made in agreement with FFF president Philippe Diallo, who is currently at the France base camp. The federation expressed solidarity with the coach in its statement.
At this incredibly painful time, we wish the head coach great strength and assure him of everyone's support.
Match context and tournament standing
France has already secured a place in the knockout stage after beating Senegal 3-1 and Iraq 3-0 in their first two matches. Norway has also won both of its games, leaving the two sides tied on six points at the top of Group I. Friday's encounter will determine who takes first place in the group.
Deschamps' legacy with Les Bleus
Deschamps previously announced he will step down as France coach after the tournament, ending a 14-year tenure. He led the team to World Cup glory in 2018 and a penalty shootout loss to Argentina in the 2022 final. As a player, he captained France to their first World Cup title in 1998 and retired with a then-record 103 international caps.
