Deschamps to miss France's final group match against Norway after mother's death, assistant Stephan takes charge

Personal loss

Didier Deschamps received the news of his mother Ginette's death on Tuesday morning, 23 June, while with the France squad at their World Cup base in the United States. The French Football Federation (FFF) confirmed that the 57-year-old coach would immediately return to France to attend the funeral, missing the final training sessions and the upcoming fixture.

“The national team coach learned this morning of his mother's death and will return to France to attend her funeral. Didier Deschamps will not be able to oversee training before the Norway - France match. He will also not be on the bench during the final Group I match on Friday.”

Leadership transition

In agreement with FFF president Philippe Diallo, who is currently with the squad in the USA, Deschamps handed temporary control to his long-serving assistant Guy Stephan. Stephan, who has worked alongside Deschamps for years, stepped into a similar role in May 2022 when Deschamps mourned the death of his father during a Nations League camp ahead of a match against Denmark.

“In agreement with Philippe Diallo, president of the French Football Federation, who is currently at the France team base, Didier Deschamps has entrusted Guy Stephan with leading the team until his return.”

Match context

France face Norway on 26 June at 21:00 local time at Gillette Stadium in Foxborough, Massachusetts. The fixture is the final match of Group I, with France already assured of a place in the knockout stage after wins over Senegal (3-1) and Iraq (3-0). The Norway match will decide first place in the group.