Didier Deschamps, the head coach for the French national team, is traveling back to France following the passing of his mother. Consequently, he will be unavailable to lead the squad during their upcoming Group I World Cup match against Norway. The French Football Federation confirmed the news on Tuesday, stating that the 57-year-old coach needed to return home to attend funeral services.
During his time away, assistant manager Guy Stephan will assume coaching duties. France has already secured a spot in the round of 32 after victories against Senegal and Iraq. They are now focused on defeating Norway in Foxborough, Massachusetts, to finish at the top of their group.
This competition marks the conclusion of Deschamps’ long tenure with the team. Over his 14-year career as head coach, he guided France to a victory in the 2018 World Cup while also reaching the finals of the 2022 World Cup and Euro 2016.
