France head coach Didier Deschamps will sit out the final group match against Norway on Friday after learning his mother died on Tuesday morning, the France Football Federation confirmed. Deschamps is returning to France for the funeral, leaving the squad in Massachusetts without its leader. Assistant Guy Stéphan will assume temporary charge for the game. The 7 p.m. ET kickoff will test the squad’s resolve.

Deschamps had announced he will step down after this World Cup, ending a 14‑year tenure that delivered the 2018 title and a 2022 final loss on penalties. Les Bleus entered the tournament with two wins – 3‑1 over Senegal and 3‑0 versus Iraq – securing top spot in Group D. Norway also arrived with a perfect record, raising the stakes for Friday’s encounter.

With Stéphan at the helm, France must maintain momentum to avoid a rare group‑stage stumble that could jeopardise a favorable knockout draw. The federation has not disclosed when Deschamps will rejoin the squad, leaving players to rally without their long‑time strategist. France’s next performance will determine whether the team caps a turbulent campaign on a high note.