France to face Norway in decisive World Cup group match as coach Deschamps absent

France confirmed its place in the round of 32 at the 2026 FIFA World Cup after a 3‑0 victory over Iraq, with Kylian Mbappé scoring twice and Ousmane Dembélé adding the third goal. The team now heads into a crucial final group game against Norway, a match that will determine the group leader.

Coach Didier Deschamps will not be on the bench for the Norway encounter because his mother passed away. The French Football Federation announced that Deschamps returned to France to be with his family, and the team will proceed without his leadership on the sidelines.