France head coach Didier Deschamps will miss his team's final World Cup group match after his mother passed away on Tuesday morning. The French Football Federation confirmed Deschamps has returned to France for the funeral, with assistant coach Guy Stephan taking charge for Friday's Group I finale against Norway in Boston.

Deschamps' absence comes at a significant moment for France, who have already secured knockout qualification with victories over Senegal (3-1) and Iraq (3-0). The Iraq match featured a two-hour weather delay in Philadelphia. Friday's match will determine the group winner, giving Deschamps' side an extra day of rest ahead of the last-16 ties.

The 57-year-old Deschamps won the World Cup as a player in 1998 and the European Championship in 2000. Since taking charge in 2012, he has led France to World Cup glory in 2018 and a final defeat to Argentina in 2022. His temporary departure represents a major disruption during a crucial phase of the tournament.

Stephan will oversee preparations for the Norway fixture while Deschamps grieves. The coach's leadership and experience will be missed as France seeks to maintain momentum in their quest for a second consecutive World Cup title.