Deschamps returns to France after mother's death

Didier Deschamps, the head coach of the French national football team, will be absent from their final World Cup group stage match after his mother passed away. The French Football Federation (FFF) confirmed his departure on Tuesday morning.

Deschamps, 57, received permission from FFF President Philippe Diallo to travel back to France to attend his mother's funeral. The team has already secured their place in the knockout stages of the tournament, having won their opening two games against Senegal and Iraq. Assistant Coach Guy Stephan will step in to manage the squad during Deschamps' absence.

France is scheduled to play Norway on Friday in Boston to determine the winner of Group I. The team has shown strong form in the tournament thus far, with victories including a 3-1 win over Senegal and a 3-0 victory against Iraq. Deschamps, a celebrated figure in French football, previously captained France to a World Cup victory in 1998 and has managed the national side since 2012, leading them to a World Cup title in 2018 and a runner-up finish in 2022.

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The French Football Federation confirms that Didier Deschamps has been given permission to return to France following the death of his mother.