Didier Deschamps, head coach of France, will not be on the sideline for Les Bleus’ final group stage match against Norway this Friday due to the passing of his mother, according to a statement from the French Football Federation (FFF) on Tuesday.
The FFF reported that Deschamps received the news of his mother’s death Tuesday morning and is returning to France to attend her funeral.
“In this incredibly difficult time, we wish our head coach great strength and offer him the full support of everyone here,” said the FFF. Assistant coach Guy Stéphan will temporarily take over management of the team, including the game in Massachusetts on Friday, until Deschamps returns.
The federation has not specified when Deschamps is expected to return to the United States.
The 57-year-old Deschamps had previously announced his decision to step down as France’s coach after this tournament, concluding a 14-year tenure.
As a former captain, he led Les Bleus to World Cup victory in 2018 and saw his team finish as runners-up to Argentina in the 2022 final, which ended in a penalty shootout.
France secured victories in their first two group stage matches at this World Cup, defeating Senegal 3-1 and Iraq 3-0 to advance to the knockout stage.
Norway has also won both of its matches so far.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.