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Guy Stephan to manage France against Norway after Deschamps flies home for mother's funeral

Didier Deschamps has temporarily left France's World Cup camp following the death of his mother, with long-time assistant Guy Stephan stepping in to lead Les Bleus against Norway in their final Group I match on June 26 in Foxborough, Massachusetts.

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Guy Stephan to manage France against Norway after Deschamps flies home for mother's funeral
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Guy Stephan will take charge of France for their 2026 World Cup Group I finale against Norway on Friday, June 26, after head coach Didier Deschamps flew home to attend his mother’s funeral.

Deschamps, 57, was forced to temporarily step away from the French camp following the bereavement, leaving his squad during the group stage. Stephan, a highly experienced coach who has served as Deschamps’ assistant for many years — including their time together at Marseille before he joined the national setup in 2012 — will step into the head coach role for the Foxborough fixture at Boston Stadium in Massachusetts.

Both France and Norway have already secured their places in the Round of 32, having won their opening two matches against Iraq and Senegal respectively. Despite the guaranteed progression, the result still carries weight: the group winner will earn a potentially more favourable draw heading into the knockout rounds.

The match kicks off at 8pm UK time, with local kick-off in Foxborough at 3pm.

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