Mourning Deschamps to sit out France's last group stage match at the World Cup

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France coach Didier Deschamps is to return home after his mother died and will miss his team’s final World Cup Group I match against Norway, the French Football Federation announced Tuesday.

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“Didier Deschamps will not be able to be on the bench on Friday for the final Group I game,” said the federation in a statement.

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“The coach had the painful experience this morning of learning of the death of his mother. He will return to France to attend the funeral.”

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In Deschamps’ absence, his assistant Guy Stephan will take charge of the squad until the 57-year-old’s return.

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Having already qualified for the last 32 following a 3-1 victory over Senegal and a 3-0 win against Iraq, France will be aiming to top their group when they face Erling Haaland and Norway on Friday in Foxborough, Massachusetts.

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It is Deschamps’ final tournament in charge of France.

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During his 14-year reign, France won the 2018 World Cup, but lost in both the 2022 World Cup final — on penalties to Argentina — and to Portugal in the Euro 2016 final.

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AFP

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