France coach Didier Deschamps is missing France’s final World Cup group game against Norway because his mother died, and assistant Guy Stephan is taking charge temporarily. The French Football Federation said Deschamps went home for the funeral and is expected to rejoin the team afterward.

Quick Scoop

  • Deschamps learned of his mother’s death on Tuesday morning.
  • He left the squad to be with his family for the funeral.
  • Guy Stephan will handle the Norway match on the sidelines.

What it means

This is a personal absence, not a coaching dismissal or suspension. France had already secured progress in the tournament, so the team can cover for him in the short term.

Future plans

Deschamps had already said he plans to step down after the 2026 World Cup, and Zinedine Zidane has been widely linked as a possible successor.