Didier Deschamps Absent from France's 2026 World Cup Match Following Mother's Death

Didier Deschamps, head coach of the French national football team, will miss the upcoming World Cup group-stage match against Norway due to the death of his mother. The Fédération française de football (FFF) announced on June 23, 2026, that Deschamps received the heartbreaking news while in Boston and will return to France to attend the funeral. Consequently, he will not participate in the training sessions ahead of the match, scheduled for June 26, 2026, in Foxborough, Massachusetts.

Guy Stéphan, Deschamps' assistant coach, has been appointed to lead the team in his absence. Stéphan will take temporary charge until Deschamps returns. The French Football Federation and team members have expressed their full support and condolences to Deschamps and his family during this difficult period.

France is in a strong position in the tournament, having secured qualification to the Round of 16 following convincing wins over Senegal (3-1) and Iraq (3-0). The upcoming match against Norway will determine the group leader, with Norway featuring star player Erling Haaland.

Deschamps, who has been in charge of the French team since 2012, is a two-time World Cup champion—winning as a player in 1998 and as a coach in 2018. This loss recalls a similar personal tragedy in May 2022 when Deschamps lost his father during team preparations for a Nations League match. The team has rallied around Deschamps, showing solidarity and maintaining focus despite the grief.

The president of the French Football Federation, Philippe Diallo, is also at the team's training camp in the United States and conveyed his condolences and support. The full French team is united in sending their thoughts to Deschamps while preparing for the key encounter against Norway.