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France coach Didier Deschamps misses World Cup match after mother’s death

Didier Deschamps will not be on the bench for France’s final Group I match against Norway at the 2026 FIFA World Cup after learning his mother died on Tuesday. The French Football Federation (FFF) said Deschamps returned to France to attend the funeral and will miss training sessions ahead of the Friday fixture in Foxborough, Massachusetts. In his absence, long‑time assistant Guy Stéphan will take charge of the team’s preparations and sit on the bench. The federation’s statement read: “Didier Deschamps will not be able to lead training sessions … and will also not be present on the bench on Friday.” France have already secured qualification for the round of 32 with wins over Senegal and Iraq, but the Norway game will decide the group winner. Captain Kylian Mbappé posted a message of support, writing that the squad stands with their coach and his family.

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