France head coach Didier Deschamps will return home from the World Cup following the death of his mother and will miss Friday’s final Group I game against Norway, the French Football Federation (FFF) confirmed Tuesday.
The 57-year-old learned of his mother’s passing on Tuesday morning and will fly back to France to attend her funeral. The FFF said in a statement: “At this incredibly painful time, we wish the head coach great strength and assure him of everyone’s support.”
Assistant coach Guy Stéphan will take temporary charge of the squad — including for Friday’s match in Foxborough, Massachusetts — until Deschamps returns. The federation did not specify when Deschamps is expected to rejoin the team in the United States.
A legendary tenure nearing its end
Deschamps had previously announced he would step down as France coach after the tournament, bringing to a close a 14-year reign that began in 2012.
The former France captain — who lifted the World Cup on home soil as a player in 1998 — led Les Bleus to their second World Cup triumph in 2018 with a 4-2 victory over Croatia in the final. He also guided France to the Euro 2016 final, where they lost to Portugal, and the 2022 World Cup final, falling to Argentina on penalties.
Group I decider looms
France have already secured knockout-stage qualification with wins over Senegal (3-1) and Iraq (3-0). However, Friday’s fixture against Norway — who also boast six points — will determine who finishes top of Group I. Norway have been powered by Erling Haaland’s four goals at the tournament so far.
With Deschamps absent, Stéphan will lead the team as France chase a third World Cup title — a fitting tribute to a manager who has given so much to French football.
