France squad vows to make Deschamps proud as Stephan leads team vs Norway
France midfielder Aurélien Tchouaméni said the squad is determined to make head coach Didier Deschamps proud as they prepare for their final 2026 World Cup Group I match against Norway without him. Speaking from France’s training base near Boston on Thursday, Tchouaméni acknowledged the squad was deeply affected by the news of Deschamps’ mother’s passing but insisted they remain focused on delivering a worthy performance.
Deschamps returned to France earlier this week to attend the funeral and will miss Friday’s encounter at Gillette Stadium in Foxborough, Massachusetts. He is expected to rejoin the squad in the United States on Saturday. Assistant coach Guy Stephan, who will take charge against Norway, said he is thinking of Deschamps and his family and aims to keep things as normal as possible.
France and Norway have already qualified for the knockout rounds and are level on six points, but Les Bleus hold a superior goal difference and need only a draw to win the group. Arsenal defender William Saliba is out with a back injury, with Crystal Palace’s Maxence Lacroix set to replace him in the starting line.
With Deschamps absent, will the squad’s resolve to honor him translate into a performance that secures top spot in Group I, or will the emotional weight affect their execution on the field?