Guy Stephan steps up as Deschamps mourns to guide France past Norway at World Cup 2026

Guy Stephan, Didier Deschamps’ long-time assistant and close friend, took temporary charge of France for their World Cup 2026 Group I decider against Norway at Gillette Stadium after Deschamps flew home to attend his mother’s funeral.

The French Football Federation confirmed the news on Tuesday, issuing a statement that read: “At this incredibly painful time, we wish the head coach great strength and assure him of everyone’s support.” Norway head coach Ståle Solbakken offered a poignant gesture before kick-off, presenting Stephan with flowers on the touchline.

Stephan, 69, is no stranger to the international stage. He served as assistant to Roger Lemerre when France lifted the European Championship trophy in Rotterdam in 2000, and his partnership with Deschamps stretches back to 2009, when the former France captain took charge of Marseille. The pair have since worked together for 17 years across club and international football, reaching two World Cup finals — winning one in 2018 — and the Euro 2016 final.

Their bond, Stephan told The Athletic this week, goes beyond words. “We understand each other. We don’t even need to speak anymore. A glance is enough when we’re out on the pitch or at a training session; if something needs changing or tweaking, we just look at each other and — boom — it’s as if we’d actually spoken.”

Before moving into coaching, Stephan had a playing career as a striker for Guingamp, Rennes, Le Havre and Orléans between 1976 and 1985, before a car accident cut short his time at Caen in 1987. He later managed Annecy, Lyon and Bordeaux, and took charge of Senegal following their shock 2002 World Cup victory over France.

On the pitch in Boston, Stephan’s temporary tenure began with authority. Ousmane Dembélé scored a stunning first-half hat-trick to put France 3-1 ahead of Norway before the break in the Group I decider.

Deschamps, who won the World Cup as both player and manager with France, is in the final stretch of his contract with the national team, which expires at the end of the current tournament. Stephan’s son, Julien, is currently head coach of EFL Championship club Queens Park Rangers.