Deschamps to miss France’s Group I decider after family bereavement

Didier Deschamps will miss France’s final World Cup group game against Norway after the death of his mother. The French Football Federation confirmed that assistant coach Guy Stephan will take charge of the squad until Deschamps returns.

Deschamps learned of the bereavement on Tuesday morning and was allowed by FFF president Philippe Diallo to travel back to France for the funeral. Given the personal nature of the situation, the immediate football impact is limited to matchday leadership rather than any change in France’s tournament status.

France have already secured a place in the knockout rounds after opening wins over Senegal and Iraq. Their match against Norway in Boston will decide the winner of Group I, with Stephan stepping into a familiar senior support role at a sensitive moment for the squad.

Deschamps’ absence comes during another major tournament campaign in a long France career that includes World Cup and European Championship success as a player, and World Cup glory as manager in 2018. For now, the priority around the team is balancing preparation for Norway with respect for the coach’s family circumstances.