Who Replaces Coach Deschamps to Lead France Against Norway?
US - Didier Deschamps returned home for mother's funeral. Assistant will lead France against Norway in final World Cup 2026 Group I match.
French Football Federation announced Guy Stephan acts as head coach when "Les Bleus" play at Gillette Stadium, Foxborough, Massachusetts on June 26.
Video of Stephan, Kylian Mbappe, and Michael Olise analyzing tactics on flight back to Boston after Iraq win goes viral. Shows key role of 69-year-old assistant in French staff.
Assistant Guy Stephan (right) jokes and talks with Kylian Mbappe (center) and Coach Didier Deschamps at France training in Clairefontaine, Sept 1, 2025. Photo: Reuters
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Stephan joined 10 major tournaments, 9 with Deschamps for France. Previously managed Senegal 2003-2005, lost only two games.
Stephan's playing career ended early due to severe car crash while playing for Caen. After years coaching lower-tier clubs, he briefly managed Lyon and Girondins de Bordeaux. However, Stephan preferred assistant role, working with Raymond Domenech and Jean Tigana at Lyon.
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Stephan discusses tactics with Mbappe and Olise.
Stephan discusses tactics with Mbappe and Olise. Video: X/kyks_98
Stephan gained fame partnering Roger Lemerre for France, helping win Euro 2000 and 2001 Confederations Cup. During this time, he first worked with Deschamps - then France captain.
Pair reunited when Deschamps managed Marseille 2009-2012, before moving to France national team in 2012. In coaching staff, Stephan designs training sessions and prepares tactics. Though quiet with media, players view him as close and open.
Son Julien Stephan now manages QPR, after coaching Rennes and Strasbourg. Asked about father, Julien described five qualities: "Respect, hard work, generosity, solidarity, and above all loyalty" - shown through over decade alongside Deschamps in France team.
In pre-match press conference, Stephan said Deschamps personally shared sad news and handed over team control. 69-year-old assistant admitted discomfort replacing Deschamps before media. "Do not feel this is my place. Used to waiting for players on pitch, not sitting in press room," he said. "Hard time for Deschamps and family. Our job is to win group."
Stephan speaks at press conference before France vs Norway, final World Cup 2026 Group I match at Gillette Stadium, Foxborough, Massachusetts, US, June 25, 2026. Photo: AFP
France aims to beat Norway to win Group I, securing better knockout schedule. "Qualified already, but winning group still vital. Reduces travel, limits weather and time zone impact. Most important is finishing first," he said.
Though Deschamps absent from bench, Stephan said they keep regular contact. However, during match, he will not talk to head coach. French assistant also revealed defender William Saliba and forward Marcus Thuram missed final training due to calf issues, but does not mean they miss Norway game.
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Despite having just passed the group stage with one match to spare, striker Erling Haaland believes Norway need to be realistic about what can be achieved at the 2026 World Cup. 56
Mbappe: 'I don't pay attention to what Messi does'
Striker Kylian Mbappe does not care about the personal rivalry with Lionel Messi, but wants to focus on helping France win the 2026 World Cup. 112
Mbappe closes in on Messi's World Cup goal tally
A few hours after Lionel Messi broke the all-time World Cup scoring record, striker Kylian Mbappe scored a brace to help France defeat Iraq 3-0 in the second match of Group I. 257
France - Iraq match delayed for over 2 hours due to thunderstorms
For the first time, a 2026 World Cup match was delayed due to heavy rain and lightning, just before the second half was about to start. 31
Olise: 'Football can be art, but I'm not an artist'
In an interview with L’Équipe, France midfielder Michael Olise said he always aims to bring excitement to viewers, but does not consider himself an artist on the pitch. 21
Mbappe avoids controversy over Messi and Ronaldo
At the press conference before the Iraq match, France captain Kylian Mbappe emphasized that he only cares about the goal of winning the 2026 World Cup, not bothering with controversies surrounding who is the best in the world. 109