France coach Didier Deschamps will miss Friday’s World Cup group match against Norway in Boston following the death of his mother. The French Football Federation confirmed he returned to France for the funeral, leaving assistant Guy Stéphan to lead the team.
Deschamps, who guided France to the 2018 World Cup title, is expected back Saturday. He will consult with Stéphan on team selection.
France leads Group I with six points after wins over Senegal and Iraq. Kylian Mbappé has scored four goals. A win over Norway would secure the group and a round-of-32 matchup with a third-placed team.