In the 2026 FIFA World Cup, the French team defeated Norway 4-1 and won the first group championship. However, the personal tragedy of head coach Deschamps and the decision of FIFA attracted criticism from the French Football Federation and cast a shadow on the progress of the game.Deschamps left France training camp following the death of his mother and has been absent from the touchline, leaving long-time assistant Guy Steffen in charge of the team. Before kick-off, the French Football Federation requested that players be allowed to wear black armbands as a sign of condolence, but FIFA rejected the request as planned pre-match tributes were distributed to victims of Venezuela’s devastating earthquake.
France forced to miss Deschamps game due to bereavement
The France coach returned home earlier this week to attend his mother’s funeral, taking a break from the national team during one of the most important stages of the World Cup.“The national team coach was deeply saddened to learn of the death of his mother this morning,” the French Football Federation said in a statement announcing his departure.The statement added: “With the agreement of French Football Federation President Philippe Diallo, who is present at the French national team training camp, Didier Deschamps has entrusted his assistant Guy Steffen with the responsibility of leading the team until his return. At this extremely painful moment, we ask for your utmost respect and restraint.”Guy Stephan, Deschamps’ most trusted assistant during his 14 years in charge of France, took to the dugout against Norway. Before kick-off, he walked onto the court holding a bouquet of flowers and silently paid tribute to his colleague’s mother.
FIFA rejects France’s request to wear black armbands
Before the game, the French Football Federation informed reporters that it would observe a minute’s silence for Deschamps’ mother.However, just minutes later, FIFA issued a clarification after informing officials that the minute’s silence before the game was to commemorate the victims of the Venezuelan earthquake.The French team subsequently requested that players be allowed to wear black armbands as a sign of respect for the absent manager’s family. FIFA has also reduced this requirement.The governing body has not commented publicly on the decision at the time, but it confirmed that pre-match ceremonies will continue to be held for earthquake victims.
Despite emotions, France scores major victory
The emotional backdrop did not dampen the performance of the French team, who once again put in a dominant performance to win Group One.Ousmane Dembélé scored a stunning hat-trick in 32 first-half minutes in one of the finest performances of the World Cup. He opened the scoring in the seventh minute and then extended France’s advantage in the 20th minute. Norway briefly reduced the deficit through Tello Asgard, but Dembélé completed his treble in the 32nd minute to restore France’s two-goal buffer.
France’s Ousmane Dembele celebrates with Kylian Mbappe (right) after scoring his team’s third goal during the World Cup Group One football match between Norway and France in Foxborough, Massachusetts, Friday, June 26, 2026, near Boston. (AP Photo/Martin Meissner)
Norway had a chance to make the game more competitive shortly after half-time when Theo Hernandez fouled Oscar Bobb in the penalty area. Jørgen Strand Larsen stepped forward but Mike Maignan guessed correctly and France maintained their lead.In stoppage time, substitute Désiré Doué scored with a header to help France win 4-1.
France’s Desire Douai celebrates after scoring his team’s fourth goal during a World Cup Group One soccer match between Norway and France on Friday, June 26, 2026, in Foxborough, Massachusetts, near Boston. (AP Photo/Martin Meissner)
France advances and Norway also advances to the knockout rounds
France had already qualified after wins over Senegal and Iraq, but they qualified as Group One winners and cemented their status as one of the favourites.Norway, meanwhile, have already booked their place in the last 32 despite making ten changes from the team that beat Senegal. Solbakken kept key players such as Erling Haaland, Martin Odegaard and goalkeeper Erjan Nylander on the bench to prioritize freshness ahead of the knockout stages.As a result, the French team advanced to the round of 32 as the first in the group. They are expected to face Sweden, while the Norwegian team also means that despite suffering their first defeat in the World Cup, they will continue to compete in the World Cup.For France, however, the night meant more than football. While the Gallic Roosters celebrated another convincing victory, their thoughts remained firmly with the manager who has led the national team since 2012 and guided France to the 2018 World Cup title and the 2022 final, but they watched the latest victory from home while mourning the loss of their mother.
