SportFootballWorld Cup 2026The mother of France head coach Didier Deschamps passed away earlier this week.19:44, 26 Jun 2026Updated 20:03, 26 Jun 2026FIFA have rejected France's request to wear black armbands in tribute to Didier Deschamps' mother who died earlier this week. Les Bleus' head-coach will be absent from their final group match against Norway as he attends her funeral.‌A minute's silence will be held before kick-off in Massachusetts, according to RMC Sport, who say that the observed tribute will be for the victims of the earthquakes in Venezuela, where the death toll has risen to 920. France have already qualified and can round off their group stage with maximum points if they beat Norway, Guy Stephan will step-in for Deschamps in his absence.‌The French Football Federation released a statement on Tuesday confirming that the World Cup-winning manager had returned home from the United States.‌Get the latest World Cup news straight to your inbox by signing up to our Make Football Great Again newsletter now!It read: "Didier Deschamps will not be able ⁠to oversee training sessions ahead of the Norway v France match. He will also be absent from the bench for Friday's final Group I game."The national team coach learned this morning of the death of ‌his ⁠mother and will return to France to attend her funeral.‌"In agreement with Philippe Diallo, president of the French Football Federation, who is ⁠currently at the France team's base camp, Deschamps has entrusted assistant coach Guy Stephan with responsibility ⁠for leading the squad until his return."Ahead of the game, Norway gifted the stand-in France head coach with a bouquet of flowers in an offer of condolensces to Deschamps.‌Stephan will oversee France's final group match against a much-changed Norway, who made 10 changes with Erling Haaland and Martin Odegaard dropping to the bench. Kylian Mbappe has played an inspirational role for France at the World Cup with a brace in each of their opening two wins over Senegal and Iraq.The experienced assistant has been Deschamps' right-hand man for 17 years after joining the 57-year-old at Marseille. It will be Stephan's first time in the dugout since he took charge of Senegal at the 2002 World Cup.The knockout stages are quickly approaching for France as they look to avenge their final defeat to Argentina four years ago. Mbappe faced intense criticism after a disappointing debut season at Real Madrid.Article continues belowSubsequently, pressure was on his shoulders going into the tournament, but after a difficult 45 minutes against Senegal, he has lived up to his billing as France's key man.FIFA have been approached for comment.Choose Daily Mirror as a 'Preferred Source' on Google News for quick access to the news you value.‌Didier DeschampsFIFAFIFA World CupWorld Cup 2026