France boss temporarily leaves national team camp due to family tragedy

France started their World Cup campaign superbly, with two statement wins against Senegal and Iraq. Les Bleus have already secured their place in the last 32 and are on course to advance as Group I winners.

To do so, they will need to avoid defeat against Norway in their final group-stage match on Friday (22.00). Unfortunately, they will have to do it without head coach Didier Deschamps.

The 57-year-old received heartbreaking news yesterday, as his mother, Ginette, passed away.

He left the national team camp to attend the funeral and will rejoin the squad in Boston afterward, meaning he will miss the clash against Norway.

In Deschamps' absence, his assistant coach Guy Stephen will take over his duties and lead the team from the sidelines.

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Besides being the longest-serving manager at the tournament, Deschamps recorded his 16th World Cup victory in France's 3-0 win over Iraq, equalling Helmut Schon's record.

At the same time, Deschamps is fourth on the all-time list with 21 World Cup matches in charge, while the aforementioned Schon tops the rankings with 25. Therefore, the Frenchman could equal the German's tally if his team reached the quarter-finals.

Regardless of Les Bleus' result at the 2026 World Cup, Deschamps will step down after the tournament, having already announced his decision earlier this year, while former France star Zinedine Zidane is widely expected to succeed him.

WORLD CUP - GROUP STAGE (ROUND 3)

Group I

Friday

22.00: (5.50) Norway (3.90) France (1.70)

22.00: (1.27) Senegal (6.00) Iraq (11.0)

***odds are subject to change***