The French national team will face its final group-stage match of the 2026 World Cup with a major absence on the sidelines.
Didier Deschamps will not be present for the match against Norway following the death of his mother, according to confirmation from the French Football Federation (FFF).
The French manager is temporarily leaving the team’s training camp.
Deschamps received news of his mother’s passing on Tuesday morning and will return to France to attend the funeral.
The coach will not lead the team in the decisive match for first place in the group.
The federation expressed its condolences and requested respect for the family’s privacy during this difficult time.
The change on the sidelines will happen immediately.
Assistant coach Guy Stéphan will take charge during the match at Gillette Stadium, where France will look to secure the group lead before the Round of 16.
It will be an important test in an emotionally difficult situation for the coaching staff.
The team arrives with its main objective practically completed.
With two wins in two matches — against Senegal and Iraq — France has already secured its place in the knockout stage as one of the strongest teams in the tournament.
The match against Norway will only determine the final group position.
The team loses its leader on the sidelines but continues moving forward with its sporting objectives.
Deschamps was managing his final World Cup before leaving his position after the tournament, adding an additional emotional element to the situation.
France will face Norway with the goal of finishing the group stage at the top, while the coaching staff manages an unexpected absence during a crucial moment of the championship.
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