France head coach Didier Deschamps has departed the United States to return home following the death of his mother, leaving him absent from Les Bleus' final World Cup 2026 group stage fixture.

Deschamps received the devastating news on Tuesday and flew back to France to attend her funeral. He will miss the Group I decider against Norway at Gillette Stadium on Friday, a match that determines top spot in the group.

A pivotal match in his absence

Both France and Norway have already qualified for the round of 32, each collecting six points from six after victories over Senegal and Iraq respectively. However, the winner of tonight's meeting in Boston secures first place — and a second-round tie at MetLife Stadium.

Norway are managed by Stale Solbakken, and his side will face a France outfit temporarily led by long-serving assistant coach Guy Stephan, who has stepped up to take charge in Deschamps' absence. Stephan is expected to hand the reins back to Deschamps ahead of the round of 32.

The French Football Federation (FFF) released a statement expressing its full solidarity with the coach.