Didier Deschamps has just announced his temporary departure from the French national team at the 2026 World Cup to return home for his mother’s funeral, leaving the leadership responsibility to assistant Guy Stephan.
The French Football Federation (FFF) has officially confirmed this information, while stating that he will be absent from the final group stage match against Norway on June 27 to take care of his family’s funeral arrangements.
During Deschamps’ absence, long-time assistant Guy Stephan will temporarily take charge. This is a psychological challenge for the French players right in the middle of the tournament, even though the European representative is maintaining an impressive form in Group I with two consecutive wins.
Previously, “Les Bleus” had a favorable start by defeating Senegal 3-1 in New Jersey on June 17 and continuing to overcome Iraq with a score of 3-0 in Philadelphia (June 23). Notably, the victory over Iraq was interrupted for two hours right at halftime due to severe weather conditions. The upcoming match in Boston against Norway will be decisive for the top spot in Group I before entering the knockout stage.
Deschamps is a great icon of French football, who won the 1998 World Cup and EURO 2000 as a player. As head coach since 2012, he led the French team to win the 2018 World Cup title and reach the 2022 World Cup final.
