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France soccer coach Didier Deschamps will not be attending the team's upcoming World Cup game against Norway after the death of his mother.
The French Football Federation (FFF) announced on Tuesday, June 23, that Deschamps, 57, learned of his mother's death on earlier that day, ESPN reports. He has since left the U.S. and returned to France for her funeral.
"At this incredibly painful time, we wish the head coach great strength and assure him of everyone's support," the FFF announced in a statement.
"Our thoughts are with our manager and his family 🙏," FFF also posted on X.
In his absence, the team's assistant coach, Guy Stéphan, will serve as the temporary head coach and lead the team during its upcoming match on Friday, June 26, against Norway, the team announced. The upcoming game will take place at Gillette Stadium in Foxboro, Mass., named Boston Stadium during the tournament, and will determine the winner of Group I.
France qualified for the June 26 game after defeating Senegal 3-1 on June 16 and then defeating Iraq 3-0 on Monday, June 22.
In January 2025, Deschamps said he planned to retire from coaching France's national soccer team after the 2026 World Cup, ESPN reported.
