France coach Didier Deschamps absent as team faces Norway in World Cup 2026 group match

France’s head coach Didier Deschamps left the World Cup 2026 camp after learning of his mother’s death and will not be on the bench for the group‑stage game against Norway in Foxborough, Massachusetts. Assistant manager Guy Stéphan will take charge of training and the match.

The French side have already secured qualification for the knockout round with 3‑1 wins over Senegal and a 3‑0 victory over Iraq. The Friday fixture against Norway, which features striker Erling Haaland, will decide the winner of Group I, with France poised to finish top on goal difference.

Players said they want to make Deschamps proud despite the difficult circumstances, while Stéphan confirmed he will manage the team until Deschamps returns after the funeral.