FIFA rejects France’s request to honor Didier Deschamps’ late mother ahead of Norway World Cup clash | Football news
France secured top spot in Group I with an emphatic 4-1 win over Norway at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, but preparations for the match have been overshadowed by a personal tragedy for coach Didier Deschamps and a FIFA decision that has drawn criticism from the French Football Federation.Deschamps was absent from the lineup after leaving France’s training camp following the death of his mother, with long-time assistant Guy Stéphan taking charge of the team. Before kick-off, the French Football Federation requested permission for the players to wear black armbands in tribute, but the request was rejected by FIFA after a planned pre-match tribute had already been awarded to victims of the devastating earthquake in Venezuela.
France forced to play without Deschamps after family bereavement
The France manager returned home earlier this week to attend his mother’s funeral, temporarily stepping away from the national team during one of the most important stages of the tournament.In a statement announcing his departure, the French Football Federation said: “The coach of the national team was deeply saddened to learn this morning of the death of his mother.”He added: “In agreement with Philippe Diallo, president of the French Football Federation, who is present at the training camp of the French national team, Didier Deschamps has entrusted his assistant, Guy Stephan, with the responsibility of leading the team until his return. During this extremely painful time, we ask for your utmost respect and moderation.”Guy Stéphan, Deschamps’ trusted assistant for most of his 14-year spell in charge of France, stepped into the dugout against Norway. Before kick-off, he carried a bouquet of flowers onto the pitch in a quiet tribute to his team-mate’s mother.
FIFA rejects France’s request for black armbands
Before the match, the French Football Federation informed reporters that a minute’s silence would be held in memory of Deschamps’ mother.However, just minutes later, the federation issued a clarification after FIFA informed officials that the minute of silence before the match had already been arranged to honor the victims of the Venezuelan earthquake.Later, France requested permission for the players to wear a black armband instead as a mark of respect for the family of their absent manager. This request was also rejected by FIFA.The governing body had not publicly commented on the decision at the time, although it confirmed that the pre-match ceremony would remain dedicated to the victims of the earthquake.
France deliver an emphatic victory despite emotional circumstances
The emotional backdrop did little to derail France’s performance as Les Bleus completed another dominant display to finish top of Group I.Ousmane Dembélé produced one of the standout performances of the tournament, scoring a remarkable hat-trick in the first half in 32 minutes. He opened the scoring in the seventh minute before doubling France’s lead in the 20th. Norway briefly reduced the deficit through Thelo Aasgaard, but Dembélé completed his hat-trick in the 32nd minute to restore France’s two-goal lead.
France’s Ousmane Dembele celebrates with Kylian Mbappe, right, after scoring his team’s third goal during the World Cup Group I soccer match between Norway and France in Foxborough, Mass., near Boston, Friday, June 26, 2026. (AP Photo/Martin Meissner)
Norway had a chance to make the contest competitive shortly after half-time when Theo Hernández fouled Oscar Bobb in the penalty area. Jørgen Strand Larsen stepped forward from the spot, but Mike Maignan did well to preserve France’s lead.Substitute Désiré Doué rounded off the scoring in stoppage time with a well-placed header as France cruised to a convincing 4-1 win.
Desire Doue of France celebrates after scoring her team’s fourth goal during the World Cup Group I soccer match between Norway and France in Foxborough, Mass., near Boston, Friday, June 26, 2026. (AP Photo/Martin Meissner)
France also progress while Norway also reach the knockouts
France entered the competition having already secured qualification following wins over Senegal and Iraq, but the victory ensured they progressed as Group I winners and reinforced their status as one of the favorites to lift the trophy.Norway, meanwhile, had already booked their place in the Round of 32 despite making ten changes to the side that defeated Senegal. Ståle Solbakken left key players including Erling Haaland, Martin Ødegaard and goalkeeper Ørjan Nyland on the bench, prioritizing freshness ahead of the knockout stages.The result means France progress to the Round of 32 as group winners, where they are set to face Sweden, while Norway also continue their World Cup campaign despite their first defeat of the tournament.For France, however, the evening carried meaning beyond football. As Les Bleus celebrated another convincing victory, their thoughts were firmly with the manager who has led the national team since 2012, guided France to the 2018 World Cup title and the 2022 final, but watched this latest triumph from home while mourning the loss of his mother.
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