France head coach Didier Deschamps will miss his team's final World Cup group stage match against Norway after the death of his mother, according to a statement from the French Football Federation on June 23, 2026.
Family Tragedy Strikes
The 57-year-old manager, who led France to victory in the 2018 World Cup, is grieving the loss of his mother. The federation confirmed that Deschamps has been granted leave to be with his family during this difficult time.
Impact on France's World Cup Campaign
France are already assured of a place in the knockout stages, but the match against Norway will determine their final group standing. Assistant coach Guy Stéphan is expected to take charge of the team for the fixture.
“The entire French football community sends its deepest condolences to Didier and his family,” the federation said in a statement.
Deschamps' Legacy
Deschamps has been France's head coach since 2012, winning the World Cup in 2018 and the UEFA Nations League in 2021. He is the longest-serving manager in French national team history.
The match against Norway is scheduled for June 26, 2026, at the Allianz Arena in Munich.
