Didier Deschamps to Miss Norway Match Due to Mother's Funeral

French coach Didier Deschamps will be absent from the upcoming match against Norway due to the passing of his mother. The French Football Federation has announced that his assistant, Guy Stephan, will take over coaching duties during this difficult time. France has already secured a spot in the Round of 32 at the FIFA World Cup, having won their previous matches. Deschamps, a distinguished figure in football, has previously won the World Cup both as a player and a coach. This article explores the implications of his absence and the team's current standing in the tournament.

By Narendra Chaudhary Jun 24, 2026, 06:46 IST

Deschamps' Absence for Norway Match

The French Football Federation (FFF) has confirmed that coach Didier Deschamps will not be available for the final group-stage match against Norway on June 26 (local time). He is returning to France to attend his mother's funeral, who sadly passed away on Tuesday (local time).

The federation announced that Deschamps will miss both training sessions and the match itself. "Didier Deschamps will not be able to lead training sessions prior to the Norway-France game. He will also be absent from the bench on Friday for the last match of the Bleus in Group I," stated the FFF in a post on X.

Temporary Leadership by Guy Stephan

In light of this situation, the FFF revealed that Deschamps has temporarily assigned his assistant, Guy Stephan, to oversee the team during his absence. "In agreement with Philippe Diallo, the president of the French Football Federation, who is currently at the France team's base camp for the World Cup in the United States, Didier Deschamps has entrusted responsibility to his assistant, Guy Stephan, to lead the group until his return. During this difficult time, we extend our support to the coach and his family," the federation added.

France's World Cup Journey

France has already qualified for the Round of 32 in the ongoing FIFA World Cup, having achieved victories against Senegal (3-1) and Iraq (3-0), showcasing a strong start to their tournament.

Deschamps' Remarkable Career

Didier Deschamps is a notable figure in football, being one of only three individuals to have won the FIFA World Cup both as a player and as a coach. He lifted the trophy as a player in 1998 while captaining the French team and later won it again in 2018 as the head coach in Russia.