Why isn’t Didier Deschamps in the dugout for Norway vs France at the 2026 FIFA World Cup?

France will play its last group match against Norway without head coach Didier Deschamps. The 57-year-old is one of three managers to have won the FIFA World Cup as both a player and coach. The Blues since 2012.

Currently in his fourth World Cup as coach, Deschamps has led the team to back-to-back group stage victories against Senegal and Iraq, sealing a spot in the Round of 32.

Why won’t Deschamps be there for Norway vs France?

Deschamps will not be on the sidelines during France-Norway due to family reasons. The French Football Federation announced that the coach’s mother had died on Tuesday, June 23, and that he would return home soon.

“The national coach learned of the death of his mother this morning and will return to France to attend her funeral,” the French Football Federation said in a statement.

«In consultation with Philippe Diallo, president of the French Football Federation, who is currently at the French team’s base camp, Deschamps has entrusted assistant coach Guy Stephan with the responsibility of leading the team until his return.»

As a result, French assistant coach Stephan will take charge of France’s final group stage match.

«I think a lot about Didier and his family. We are deeply affected by what happened,» Stephan said at the pre-match press conference.

Stephan, 69, previously served as France’s interim coach for a UEFA Nations League match in 2022 following the death of Deschamps’ father.

«I feel like I don’t belong here, in front of you. I belong on the training field,» Stephan added.

Published on June 27, 2026