Didier Deschamps, the manager of the France national team, will be temporarily absent from the 2026 World Cup training camp following the death of his mother. According to the French Football Federation (FFF), Deschamps received the news of his mother’s passing with significant difficulty. This bereavement requires the coach to return to France to attend the funeral ceremony, meaning he will not be available on the bench for the final group stage match scheduled against Norway in Boston on Friday.
The announcement from the FFF came just one day after the France squad secured a 3-0 victory over Iraq in Philadelphia. In light of his temporary departure, the FFF, in consultation with the federation president, Philippe Diallo, has appointed Guy Stéphane to oversee the team’s management. Stéphane, a long-time assistant to Deschamps, will assume directorial duties during this period.
The decision ensures that the national team maintains leadership continuity while respecting the personal obligations of the manager. The FFF confirmed that this temporary arrangement allows the squad to proceed with its preparations for the tournament while providing necessary support to Deschamps and his family. The coaching staff will work under Stéphane’s guidance as they prepare for the remainder of the World Cup build-up.
Topics: #deschamps #france #temporarily
