France boss Deschamps to miss final group game to attend mother's funeral

France coach Didier Deschamps
France coach Didier DeschampsIMAGN IMAGES via Reuters / Kyle Ross

Didier Deschamps is ⁠flying back to France to attend his mother's funeral ‌and will not coach the ‌team's last Group I ‌game at the World Cup ‌against Norway, the French federation ‌said on Tuesday.

"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 FFF said in ⁠a statement.

"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."

France have already qualified for the knockout stage after beating Senegal 3-1 and Iraq 3-0 in their ⁠first ⁠two games.