Didier Deschamps, France’s head coach, has left the team’s 2026 FIFA World Cup camp in the United States following his mother’s passing.
The 57-year-old manager will be returning home immediately to attend the funeral.
Consequently, Deschamps will miss the team’s training sessions and will not be present on the bench for Les Bleus’ final Group I fixture against Norway on Friday.
The federation stated that Deschamps entrusted Guy Stéphan, his assistant, with the responsibility of leading the squad until Deschamps’ return to the Les Bleus’ team base camp in the US.
“The national team head coach received the heartbreaking news of his mother’s passing this Tuesday morning,” the FFF statement read.
“During this incredibly painful time, we wish the head coach and his family great strength and assure them of the full support of everyone at the Federation.”
Stephan will now lead the technical bench for Friday’s 9pm Nigerian time clash at the Gillette Stadium in Foxborough.
France has already secured qualification for the Round of 32 after picking up maximum points from their opening two games, defeating Senegal 3-1 and dispatching Iraq 3-0.
The encounter against Norway, who also sit on six points, will determine which side tops Group I heading into the knockout phase.
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