France manager flies back from World Cup after heartbreaking family tragedy

Didier Deschamps will temporarily leave France's World Cup camp after the death of his mother, with the long-serving national team manager set to return home to attend her funeral.The French Football Federation confirmed on Tuesday that Deschamps had received the devastating news earlier in the day and would depart the United States to spend time with his family.As a result, the 57-year-old will not be in the dugout for France's final Group I fixture against Norway in Boston on Friday.Assistant coach Guy Stephan will oversee preparations and take charge of the team in Deschamps' absence as Les Bleus attempt to complete a perfect group-stage campaign. TRENDING Stories Videos Your Say The timing of the tragedy comes during what has otherwise been an encouraging start to the tournament for France, who have already secured their place in the knockout rounds after winning their opening two matches.Deschamps guided his side to a comfortable 3-1 victory over Senegal in New Jersey last Tuesday before watching them produce another assured display in a 3-0 triumph against Iraq in Philadelphia.That contest was disrupted by severe weather, with play suspended for two hours during the interval before France eventually wrapped up all three points.Friday's meeting with Norway will determine who finishes top of Group I, though qualification to the last 32 has already been assured for both nations.LATEST SPORTS NEWS:Fifa ban commentator from World Cup after furious meltdownCristiano Ronaldo screams two-word message down camera after firing Portugal to Uzbekistan World Cup winThomas Tuchel reacts to national anthem change ahead of England and Ghana World Cup showdownDeschamps has been at the helm of the French national team since 2012 and remains one of the most decorated figures in the country's football history.As a player, he captained France to World Cup glory on home soil in 1998 before helping his country win the European Championship two years later.He has since enjoyed considerable success from the touchline, ending France's 20-year wait for another World Cup title by leading them to victory in Russia in 2018.Deschamps also guided Les Bleus to the final of the last World Cup in Qatar, where they were narrowly beaten by Argentina on penalties following a thrilling 3-3 draw.Only a handful of individuals have managed to win football's biggest prize as both a player and a manager, placing Deschamps among an elite group within the sport.The French Football Federation did not disclose further details regarding the death of Deschamps' mother but confirmed the manager would rejoin the squad after attending the funeral.France's players are expected to dedicate Friday's performance to their absent coach as they look to maintain momentum heading into the knockout stages.For now, however, football has understandably taken a back seat.Win two tickets to a FIFA World Cup 2026 quarter-final. ExpressVPN are giving one lucky Friend or Member the chance to experience football's biggest tournament live, with flights and accommodation covered by GB News. Entries close 30 June. ENTER HERE. Our Standards: The GB News Editorial Charter