Deschamps departs World Cup; Guy Stéphan takes charge

France national team coach Didier Deschamps flew back to France on Friday after his mother died, prompting the federation to confirm his immediate departure from the World Cup. Consequently he will miss the group match against Norway, with assistant Guy Stéphan temporarily assuming coaching duties. The French squad and staff were described as deeply shocked by the loss. The federation announced the news through its official channels. Deschamps chose to travel home to attend the funeral and support his family. He left the tournament on Friday. Assistant Guy Stéphan has been given temporary charge of the side for the Norway encounter. Stéphan will lead the bench on Friday.

Deschamps leaves World Cup squad for mother's funeral, misses Norway

France opened the World Cup with a 3-1 victory over Senegal and a 3-0 win against Iraq, securing qualification for the knockout stage. Those results put Les Bleus already through to the next round. The upcoming clash with Norway will decide the group winner, with both teams level on six points after two matches. The result will determine who tops the group in the next round.

Deschamps to miss Norway match after mother’s death

Deschamps, aged 57, has been France's head coach since 2012 after spells at AS Monaco, Juventus and Olympique Marseille. He has overseen 181 internationals on the touchline. Under his tenure France captured the 2018 World Cup and the 2021 Nations League. The federation has not indicated when Deschamps might return.