Didier Deschamps Will Not Accompany France Against Norway for His Mother's Funeral

JAKARTA - France National Team (Timnas) coach Didier Deschamps will not be on the sidelines for Les Bleus' final match in the 2026 World Cup group against Norway on Saturday, June 27, 2026 WIB, after the death of his mother.

The French Football Federation (FFF) said Deschamps learned of his mother's death on Tuesday, June 23, 2026, local time, and he returned to France to attend her funeral.

"At this very painful moment, we wish the head coach great strength and assure him of everyone's support," the FFF said, adding that assistant coach Guy Stephan would take over the team temporarily, including for the match against Norway until Deschamps returns.

The FFF did not say when Deschamps was expected to return to the United States.

Deschamps, 57, had previously announced his retirement as France's national team coach after the 2026 World Cup or 14 years after taking office.

The former France captain led Les Bleus to World Cup glory in 2018 and his side lost the final to Argentina in 2022 on penalties.

France won the opening two matches at the 2026 World Cup, beating Senegal 3-1 and Iraq 3-0 to advance to the knockout stages. Norway has also won two matches.

The France vs Norway match will determine who will hold the status of Group I champion before proceeding to the knockout phase.