Didier Deschamps, the 57-year-old head coach of the French national football team, has left the 2026 World Cup in the United States to return to France following the death of his mother. The French Football Federation confirmed the news on June 23, 2026.
Deschamps received the tragic news on the morning of June 23 and immediately sought permission from FFF president Philippe Diallo to attend the funeral. Diallo granted compassionate leave, and Deschamps departed the team’s World Cup camp.
What happens to France’s World Cup campaign
France’s final group-stage match against Norway is scheduled for June 26, and Deschamps is expected to miss it entirely.
In his absence, assistant coach Guy Stéphan will take over management duties for the squad.
