Didier Deschamps returns to France World Cup camp after mother's funeral, as Bleus shift focus to Sweden

Personal loss and return

Didier Deschamps left the France camp last Tuesday after his mother's death and flew back to France for her funeral on Friday. Assistant coach Guy Stephan took charge of the squad, a decision agreed with FFF president Philippe Diallo. The French Football Federation confirmed on Saturday that Deschamps had returned, posting on social media:

“Didier is with us.”

He led a training session at Bentley University in Waltham later that day.

Group stage dominance

France had already secured qualification before Deschamps departed, opening with a 3-1 win over Senegal and a 3-0 victory against Iraq. The 4-1 win over Norway on Thursday, featuring an Ousmane Dembele hat-trick, sealed top spot in Group I. Stephan oversaw the match, keeping the side on track for a deep run.

What's next

Les Bleus will face Sweden in the round of 16 on Tuesday at East Rutherford, New Jersey. The path to a third World Cup title now sharpens, with Deschamps back on the touchline.

A final campaign

Deschamps, 57, is set to leave his role after the tournament, ending a 14-year tenure that began in 2012. As a player he captained France to victory in 1998, and as coach he led them to the 2018 World Cup title. His sides also reached the finals of Euro 2016 and the 2022 World Cup, losing to Portugal and Argentina respectively. This tournament offers a last chance to add another trophy.