Deschamps flies home to attend his mother's funeral, missing France's final World Cup group game

Didier Deschamps will not be on the touchline for France’s World Cup Group I finale against Norway on Friday after the French Football Federation (FFF) announced he is flying home to attend his mother’s funeral.

The FFF confirmed in a statement that Deschamps “learned this morning of the death of his mother and will return to France to attend her funeral.” He will miss training sessions in the lead-up to the fixture as well as the match itself.

Assistant coach Guy Stephan will take charge of the squad until Deschamps returns, a decision made in agreement with FFF president Philippe Diallo.

France have already secured their place in the knockout stage, having beaten Senegal 3-1 and Iraq 3-0 in their opening two games. However, top spot in Group I remains up for grabs — Norway have also won both of their matches, with Erling Haaland netting four goals in the tournament so far.

The match carries added significance given the broader context of Deschamps’ tenure. The 56-year-old is expected to step down as France head coach after the tournament, having led the national team since 2012 — a 14-year reign that stands as one of the most decorated in French football history.

Deschamps captained France to World Cup glory on home soil in 1998 before replicating the feat as manager in 2018, when Les Bleus defeated Croatia 4-2 in the final in Russia. He also guided the side to the Euro 2016 final, where they lost 1-0 to Portugal after extra time, and to the 2022 World Cup final, where they were beaten on penalties by Argentina.

France will be hoping to secure a third World Cup title before Deschamps’ anticipated departure, and their strong start to this tournament suggests they remain genuine contenders.