Deschamps To Miss France’s Final Group Game After Mother’s Death

France coach Didier Deschamps will miss his country’s final FIFA World Cup 2026 Group I match after the death of his mother, the French Football Federation has confirmed.

The federation announced that the 57-year-old manager received the heartbreaking news on Tuesday morning and will immediately return to France to attend the funeral and be with his family during the period of mourning.

Deschamps will not be on the touchline when France face Norway in their final group fixture, a match that will decide who finishes top of the group.

In his absence, assistant coach Guy Stephan will take charge of the team and lead them from the dugout.

France have already secured qualification for the round of 32 after impressive wins over Senegal and Iraq. Despite their early progress, the final group match remains important as they aim to maintain momentum heading into the knockout stages.

The fixture against Norway will also mark another significant moment in Deschamps’ long international managerial career. He is currently in charge of what is expected to be his final tournament with the national team.

During his tenure, Deschamps has enjoyed major success, including winning the 2018 World Cup and reaching the final of the 2022 edition. He also guided France to the Euro 2016 final, where they finished runners-up.

The French squad is expected to rally around their absent coach as they prepare for an emotional and important final group-stage encounter.