France boss Didier Deschamps to fly home from World Cup after mother’s death
Didier Deschamps will miss France’s final group match at the World Cup following the death of his mother.
Les Bleus are set to face Norway on Friday night in Boston, but their head coach will be leaving the US so he can attend the funeral of his mother.
The French Football Federation has confirmed assistant coach Guy Stephan will take over the reins.
A statement from the FFF read: “Didier Deschamps will be unable to oversee training sessions ahead of the Norway-France match. Nor will he be present on the bench this Friday for Les Bleus’ final Group I game.
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“The national team head coach received the heartbreaking news of his mother’s passing this Tuesday morning. He will return to France to attend the funeral.
“During this incredibly painful time, we wish the head coach and his family great strength and assure them of the full support of everyone at the federation.”
France are already guaranteed a place in the final 32 after securing a 3-1 win against Senegal last week, and a 3-0 victory over Iraq yesterday during a game hit with lengthy delays due to the weather.
Deschamps has been in charge of the French national side since 2012, but is due to leave the role at the end of the World Cup.
During his run, France have won the 2018 World Cup and 2021 Nations League while also reaching the 2016 European Championship, 2022 World Cup final, and the 2024 European Championship semifinals.
Commenting on his plans after leaving the role, Deschams said back in March that’s he was undecided.
“My future after the World Cup would be rather coach of another club or another national team? I do not know. President of the French Football Federation? No. Retired? I don’t know, I haven’t decided anything,” told Goal.
"I have the freedom, I have several options. I’m taking my time because in my mind, the only thing that matters is until this summer. And after we'll see. I don't forbid myself anything. I am of a positive nature, I tell myself that it will be different but that it will be good..."
As the group stages start to wrap up, France are currently the favourites to win the 2026 World Cup, followed by Spain and England.
Topics: World Cup
Claire Reid