Overview
- France coach Didier Deschamps learned of his mother’s death on Tuesday and returned to France to attend the funeral, the French Football Federation said.
- The FFF confirmed Deschamps will miss training sessions and will not be on the bench for Friday’s match against Norway, with no timetable given for his return.
- Long‑time assistant coach Guy Stéphan has been handed temporary charge of the squad and will lead preparations and the team at Gillette Stadium.
- Both France and Norway have already qualified for the knockout stage after winning their first two games, but Friday’s fixture will decide which side tops Group I.
- Deschamps has managed France since 2012 and had already said he would step down after the 2026 World Cup, a context that frames short‑term continuity and the team's emotional response.