The French Football Federation (FFF) announced on Tuesday that national team coach Didier Deschamps will not be present for France's final FIFA World Cup 2026 group-stage fixture against Norway, scheduled for June 26 in Massachusetts. Deschamps is returning to France to attend the funeral of his mother, who passed away on Tuesday morning.
Deschamps Returns to France for Funeral
The FFF confirmed that Deschamps learned of his mother's death on Tuesday morning and will immediately travel back to France. He will miss both training sessions leading up to the match and will not be on the bench during the game. "Didier Deschamps will not be able to lead training sessions ahead of the Norway-France match. He will also not be present on the bench on Friday for the last match of the Bleus in Group I," the federation stated in a post on X.
Guy Stephan Takes Temporary Charge
In coordination with FFF president Philippe Diallo, Deschamps has handed temporary responsibility for the team to his assistant, Guy Stephan. "In agreement with Philippe Diallo, the president of the French Football Federation, who is present at the France team's base camp for the World Cup in the United States, Didier Deschamps has entrusted responsibility to his assistant, Guy Stephan, to lead the group until his return," the FFF added. The federation extended its condolences, saying, "In this extremely painful moment, we wish the coach and his family much courage and assure them of the support of everyone at the Federation."
France Already Qualified for Round of 32
France has already secured qualification for the Round of 32 after winning their first two group matches: 3-1 against Senegal and 3-0 against Iraq. The match against Norway, therefore, will not affect their progression in the tournament.
Deschamps' Legendary Career
Didier Deschamps is one of only three individuals to have won the FIFA World Cup both as a player and as a coach. He captained France to victory in 1998 and then led the team as head coach to win the trophy in 2018 in Russia. His absence from the bench marks a somber moment for the team as they prepare for the knockout stages.
