France head coach Didier Deschamps will be absent from his side's final FIFA World Cup 2026 group stage fixture after the death of his mother, the French Football Federation (FFF) has confirmed.

Deschamps, 57, received news of his mother's passing on Tuesday morning. FFF president Philippe Diallo granted him permission to return to France to attend the funeral.

Stephan to lead France against Norway

Assistant coach Guy Stephan will take charge of the squad in Deschamps' absence. France face Norway on Friday in Boston in the decisive Group I fixture, with a place at the top of the group at stake.

France have already secured their passage to the knockout rounds, having won both of their opening matches. They defeated Senegal 3-1 in New Jersey before claiming a 3-0 victory over Iraq in Philadelphia on Monday — a match that was interrupted by a two-hour weather delay.

A decorated career as player and manager

Deschamps enjoyed an illustrious playing career with France, lifting the World Cup trophy in 1998 and the European Championship in 2000. He transitioned into management of the national side in 2012 and has since guided Les Bleus to two World Cup finals — a triumphant victory in Russia in 2018 and a defeat against Argentina in Qatar in 2022.

The entire football world extends its condolences to Deschamps and his family during this difficult time.