Didier Deschamps is expected to be back in the dugout for France’s knockout game, which is likely to be played on June 30 or July 1. | Photo Credit: AFP

France will play its final group stage match against Norway without its head coach, Didier Deschamps. The 57-year-old is one of three managers to have won the FIFA World Cup both as a player and a coach, and has been in charge of Les Bleus since 2012.

Currently at his fourth World Cup as a coach, Deschamps has guided the team to consecutive wins in the group stage, against Senegal and Iraq, sealing a spot in the Round of 32.

Why will Deschamps not be present for Norway vs France?

Deschamps will not be on the touchline for France vs Norway because of family reasons. The French Football Federation announced that the coach’s mother had passed away on Tuesday, June 23, and that he would return home soon.

“The national team coach learned this morning of the death of his mother and will return to France to attend her funeral,” the French Football Federation said in a statement.

“In agreement with Philippe Diallo, president of the French Football Federation, who is currently at the France team’s base camp, Deschamps has entrusted assistant coach Guy Stephan with responsibility for leading the squad until his return.”

As a result, France’s assistant coach Stephan will take charge of France’s last group-stage game.

“I am thinking a lot about Didier and his family. We are deeply affected by what has happened,” Stephan said in the pre-match press conference.

Stephan, 69, previously served as the interim coach of France for a UEFA Nations League game in 2022, following the death of Deschamps’ father.

“I feel like I don’t belong here in front of you. I belong on the training ground,” Stephan added.

Published on Jun 27, 2026