France Coach to Miss World Cup Match Against Norway After Mom’s Death

NEED TO KNOW

Didier Deschamps left the U.S. to return to France after learning of his mother's death, the French Football Federation (FFF) announced on Tuesday, June 23

In the interim, assistant coach Guy Stéphan will lead the team during its match against Norway in Massachusetts on Friday, June 26

The news of Deschamps' absence comes over a year after he announced he would step down as France's head coach after the 2026 World Cup

France soccer coach Didier Deschamps will not be attending the team's upcoming World Cup game against Norway after the death of his mother.

The French Football Federation (FFF) announced on Tuesday, June 23, that Deschamps, 57, learned of his mother's death on earlier that day, ESPN reports. He has since left the U.S. and returned to France for her funeral.

Advertisement

"At this incredibly painful time, we wish the head coach great strength and assure him of everyone's support," the FFF announced in a statement.

"Our thoughts are with our manager and his family 🙏," FFF also posted on X.

Follow your favorite athletes on and off the field with PEOPLE's free sports newsletter — sign up now!

In his absence, the team's assistant coach, Guy Stéphan, will serve as the temporary head coach and lead the team during its upcoming match on Friday, June 26, against Norway, the team announced. The upcoming game will take place at Gillette Stadium in Foxboro, Mass., named Boston Stadium during the tournament, and will determine the winner of Group I.

Advertisement

France qualified for the June 26 game after defeating Senegal 3-1 on June 16 and then defeating Iraq 3-0 on Monday, June 22.

In January 2025, Deschamps said he planned to retire from coaching France's national soccer team after the 2026 World Cup, ESPN reported.

"In 2026 it will be over. In my head it's very clear. I've done my time, with the same desire and passion to maintain France at the highest level but 2026 is [a] very good [time to stop]," Deschamps said at the time. "One has to be able to say stop, there's a life after this. The most important is for France to stay at the top as they have been for many years."

Advertisement

During his 14-year tenure, he led France to victory in the 2018 FIFA World Cup. During the 2022 tournament, France made it to the final but lost to Argentina in a penalty shootout. Deschamps also played on France's 1998 World Cup-winning team.

Click here to read article