Didier Deschamps to miss France’s clash with Norway after mother's passing

France manager Didier Deschamps has left the national team's World Cup base in the United States to return home following the death of his mother. The French Football Federation (FFF) confirmed the news in an official statement earlier today.

The federation confirmed that Deschamps will return to France to attend the funeral. They expressed their full support for the manager and his family during this difficult time.

Assistant coach Guy Stephan has been entrusted with the responsibility of leading the national team in the interim. This arrangement was finalised in coordination with FFF president Philippe Diallo, who is currently at the team's base camp.

The national team manager had the pain, this Tuesday morning, of learning of the passing of his mother. In this extremely painful moment, we wish the manager and his family a lot of courage and assure them of the support of everyone within the Federation. French Football Federation

France is preparing for their final Group I fixture against Norway this Friday. While both teams have already secured their spots in the Round of 32, the result of the upcoming match will decide who finishes at the top of the group.

It was previously confirmed that the 2026 World Cup will mark the end of Deschamps' tenure as France manager. Since taking the role in 2012, he has overseen 181 matches, winning the 2018 World Cup and the 2021 UEFA Nations League. He has stated that his decision to step down after the tournament is final.

The timeframe for Deschamps' return to the United States for the knockout stages remains uncertain. The squad will look to honour his final campaign by continuing their pursuit of the title in his absence.