France Coach Deschamps Heads Home After Mother's Death

France coach Didier Deschamps is going back home after his mother passed away. He will miss his team’s last World Cup Group I match against Norway. The French Football Federation shared this news on Tuesday.

The federation said, “Didier Deschamps will not be able to be on the bench on Friday for the final Group I game.” They added, “The coach had the painful experience this morning of learning of the death of his mother. He will return to France to attend the funeral.”

While Deschamps is away, his assistant Guy Stephan will take over the team until the 57-year-old comes back. France has already secured a spot in the last 32 after beating Senegal 3-1 and Iraq 3-0.

France will look to finish at the top of their group when they play against Erling Haaland and Norway on Friday in Foxborough, Massachusetts. This tournament will be Deschamps’ last one as the head coach of France.

In his 14 years as coach, France won the 2018 World Cup. But they lost the final of the 2022 World Cup to Argentina on penalties. They also lost to Portugal in the Euro 2016 final.