Deschamps on France Knockout Qualification: “Third Match Decisive for Top Spot”

Didier Deschamps guides France to early knockout stage qualification

Under coach Didier Deschamps, France have already qualified for the knockout stage after beating Senegal 3-1 and Iraq 3-0 in their first two group matches.

France cruise into the knockout rounds after defeating Senegal 3-1 and Iraq 3-0 in their opening two fixtures...

Didier Deschamps is flying back to France to attend his mother’s funeral and will not coach the team’s final Group I match at the World Cup against Norway, the French Football Federation (FFF) announced on Tuesday.

“Didier Deschamps will not be able to lead training sessions ahead of the Norway v France match. He will also be absent from the bench for Friday’s decisive Group I fixture,” the FFF said in a statement.

“The national team coach learned this morning of the death of his mother and will ‌return to France to attend her funeral.

“In agreement with Philippe Diallo, president of the French Football Federation, who is currently at the France team's base camp, Deschamps has entrusted assistant coach ‌Guy Stephan with responsibility for leading the squad until ‌his return.”

France have already qualified for the knockout stage after beating Senegal 3-1 and Iraq 3-0 in their first two matches.