FIFA rejects France’s touching request to honor Didier Deschamps’ late mother ahead of Norway World Cup clash | Football News:
France secured the top spot in Group I with a 4-1 victory over Norway at the FIFA World Cup 2026, but the build-up to the match was overshadowed by a personal tragedy for head coach Didier Deschamps and a FIFA decision that drew criticism from the French Football Federation.Deschamps was absent from the touchline after leaving France’s training camp following the death of his mother, with long-time assistant Guy Stéphan in charge of the team. Before kick-off, the French Football Federation asked for permission for the players to wear black armbands as a tribute, but the request was rejected by FIFA after a planned pre-match tribute was already allocated to the 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 leaving 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 is deeply saddened to learn this morning of the death of his mother.”It added: “In agreement with Philippe Diallo, President of the French Football Federation, who is in the training camp of the French national team, Didier Deschamps entrusted his assistant, Guy Stephan, with the responsibility of leading the squad until his return. During this extremely painful period, we ask for your utmost respect and restraint.”Guy Stéphan, Deschamps’ trusted assistant for most of his 14 years in charge of France, stepped into the dugout against Norway. Before kick-off, he brought a bouquet of flowers onto the pitch in a silent tribute to his teammate’s mother.
FIFA rejected France’s request for black armbands
Before the match, the French Football Federation informed reporters that a minute of silence would be held in memory of Deschamps’ mother.However, just a few minutes later, the federation issued an explanation after FIFA informed officials that the pre-match minute of silence had been arranged to honor the victims of the earthquake in Venezuela.France subsequently sought permission for players to wear black armbands instead as a sign of respect for their departed manager’s family. That request was also denied by FIFA.The governing body did not comment publicly on the decision at the time, although it confirmed that the pre-match ceremony would remain dedicated to the victims of the earthquake.
France delivered a tight victory despite the emotional circumstances
The emotional backdrop did little to derail France’s performance as Les Bleus completed another dominant performance to finish top of Group I.Ousmane Dembélé produced one of the standout performances of the tournament, scoring an incredible first-half hat-trick in 32 minutes. He opened the scoring in the seventh minute before doubling France’s advantage in the 20th. Norway briefly reduced the deficit through Thelo Aasgaard, but Dembélé completed his treble in the 32nd minute to restore France’s two-goal cushion.
France’s Ousmane Dembele celebrates with Kylian Mbappe, right, after scoring his side’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 a contest shortly after half-time when Theo Hernández fouled Oscar Bobb inside the penalty area. Jørgen Strand Larsen stepped up from the spot, but Mike Maignan guessed correctly to preserve France’s lead.Substitute Désiré Doué completed the scoring in stoppage time with a well-placed header as France wrapped up a convincing 4-1 win.
Desire Doue of France celebrates after scoring her side’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 marched while Norway also reached the knockouts
France entered the competition having already secured qualification after victories over Senegal and Iraq, but victory ensured they progressed as winners of Group I and cemented their status as one of the favorites to lift the trophy.Norway, on the other hand, have booked their place in the Round of 32 despite making ten changes to the side that beat Senegal. Ståle Solbakken left key players including Erling Haaland, Martin Ødegaard and goalkeeper Ørjan Nyland on the bench, ahead of the renewal ahead of the knockout stage.The result means France will advance to the Round of 32 as group winners, where they are expected to face Sweden, while Norway also continue their World Cup campaign despite their first defeat of the tournament.For France, however, the night had significance beyond football. As Les Bleus celebrate another convincing victory, their thoughts remain strong with the manager who has been in charge of the national team since 2012, guiding France to the 2018 World Cup title and the 2022 final, but watching this latest victory from home while mourning the loss of his mother.
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