World Cup 2026: Didier Deschamps returns to France camp after mother’s funeral

France head coach Didier Deschamps has rejoined the national team in Boston after travelling back to France to attend his mother’s funeral, the French Football Federation confirmed on Saturday.

Deschamps missed Les Bleus’ final Group I match, a commanding 4-1 victory over Norway, with long-time assistant Guy Stephan taking charge on the touchline during his absence.

Stephan has served as Deschamps’ trusted lieutenant for more than 17 years, with their partnership beginning at Marseille from 2009 to 2012 before they reunited within the French national team setup.

The duo has guided France through one of the most successful eras in its football history, lifting the 2018 FIFA World Cup trophy while also reaching the finals of Euro 2016 and the 2022 World Cup.

Their connection goes well beyond professional duties, having forged a strong personal bond through nearly two decades of working closely together on and off the pitch.

They also share a number of long-standing traditions and superstitions. Since 2014, Deschamps has maintained a private pre-match ritual of shaving Stephan’s head before every game.

Their routines extend beyond matchdays as well. During meals, Stephan always sits to Deschamps’ left, while on bus trips and flights he invariably takes the seat to the coach’s right.

The French coach has now resumed full duties and is expected to oversee Friday’s training session as preparations intensify ahead of France’s Round of 32 encounter against Sweden in New Jersey. Finishing top of Group I allowed Les Bleus to avoid additional travel and secure a more favourable knockout schedule.

France’s players and staff rallied around their absent manager during the Norway victory, with Stéphan revealing that the squad wanted to deliver “something special” for Deschamps during a difficult personal period.

The 57-year-old, who guided France to World Cup glory in 2018 and another final appearance in 2022, received widespread support from across the football world following the death of his mother. The French camp remained united throughout his brief absence and now welcomes back its leader at a crucial stage of the tournament.

With knockout football beginning, Deschamps’ return provides a significant emotional and tactical boost for a French side widely regarded as one of the favourites to lift the trophy in North America.