FOXBOROUGH, Mass. — The French Football Federation (FFF) confirmed on Tuesday, June 23, 2026, that national team head coach Didier Deschamps has left the squad’s base camp in the United States to return to France following the death of his mother.
Deschamps received the news on Tuesday morning and, with the support of FFF President Philippe Diallo, has traveled home to attend the funeral. Consequently, he will not be present on the bench for France’s final Group I match against Norway, which is scheduled to take place this Friday in Foxborough.
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Team Management Continuity
In Deschamps' absence, his longtime assistant coach, Guy Stéphan, will assume responsibility for the squad.Stéphan is tasked with managing training sessions and leading the team during the upcoming match against Norway. The Federation has expressed its full support for Deschamps and his family during this difficult time.
Tournament Context
France enters the final group-stage encounter in a strong position, having already secured qualification for the knockout rounds of the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Following victories over Senegal (3-1) and Iraq (3-0), Les Bleuscurrently sit at the top of Group I. The upcoming match against Norway will serve as a decider for the top spot in the group.
This tournament is set to be Deschamps' final competition as the manager of the French national team, bringing an end to a distinguished 14-year tenure that included winning the 2018 World Cup and reaching the 2022 World Cup final.
