France will be without head coach Didier Deschamps when they face Norway in their final group-stage match at the 2026 FIFA World Cup. The French Football Federation (FFF) confirmed the death of Deschamps' mother on Tuesday, June 23, 2026, and granted him permission to return to France to attend her funeral.
Deschamps Returns to France for Funeral
According to ESPN, FFF president Philippe Diallo stated that assistant coach Guy Stephan will oversee training sessions and preparations ahead of the Norway clash. Diallo's statement read: "Didier Deschamps will not be able to oversee training sessions ahead of the Norway against France match. He will also be absent from the bench for Friday's final Group I game."
The statement continued: "The national team coach learned this morning of the death of his mother and will return to France to attend her funeral. In agreement with Philippe Diallo, president of the French Football Federation, who is currently at the France team's base camp, Deschamps has entrusted assistant coach Guy Stephan with responsibility for leading the squad until his return."
France's Strong Start to the Tournament
Les Bleus currently sit top of Group I after winning their opening two matches. They opened their campaign with a commanding 3-1 victory over Senegal, with Real Madrid star Kylian Mbappe scoring twice and Bradley Barcola also finding the net. Ibrahim Mbaye grabbed a consolation goal for the African side.
France continued their strong run against Iraq, as Mbappe registered another brace to equal Ronaldo Nazario's World Cup goals record before Ousmane Dembele added a third goal, his first-ever strike at a major international tournament.
Deschamps' Future with France
Deschamps had previously announced he would step down as France coach after the tournament, following 14 years in charge. The former France captain led Les Bleus to World Cup glory in 2018, and his team lost the final to Argentina in 2022 on penalties, per Reuters.
Fan Reactions
Mixed reactions have trailed the death of Didier Deschamps' mother. @Oldura said: "I hope the same energy and debate would be had as Doku did. Somethings are just bigger than football." @khreys01 wrote: "Some of you dropping a condolences were quick to call Doku all sorts of names when he chose family first. I don't understand it but it's either y'all just like mourning or you hate men who love their wives. Anyways, May Didier's mother find peace and you losers find shame."
@MarvineODiddy added: "Given Doku's coverage for his absence, I wonder what that L'Equippe presenter will say about Deschamps' absence if given the opportunity, given both cases are polar opposites of each other. One came into the world while the other left. Both men left to support their families."
