France head coach Didier Deschamps will miss the national team's final Group I match at the World Cup against Norway. The French Football Federation announced on Tuesday that Deschamps is returning to France to attend his mother's funeral.
In agreement with Philippe Diallo, president of the French Football Federation, assistant coach Guy Stephan will take responsibility for leading the squad and overseeing training sessions until Deschamps' return. The head coach is expected to return to Boston on Saturday, the day after the match against Norway.
France has already qualified for the knockout stage after securing victories against Senegal 3-1 and Iraq 3-0. The team now seeks the top spot in Group I. This 2026 World Cup marks Deschamps' final tournament in charge of the French national team.