Who Replaces Deschamps to Lead France Against Norway?
US - Head coach Didier Deschamps returns home for mother's funeral. Trusted assistant replaces him to lead France against Norway in final match of World Cup 2026 Group I.
French Football Federation announces Guy Stephan takes head coach role as "Les Bleus" play at Gillette Stadium, Foxborough, Massachusetts today.
Assistant Guy Stephan (right) jokes and talks with Kylian Mbappe (center) and coach Didier Deschamps during France training session at Clairefontaine on September 1, 2025. Photo: Reuters
Video of Stephan analyzing tactics with Kylian Mbappe and Michael Olise on flight back to Boston after Iraq win goes viral on social media. This shows important role of 69-year-old assistant in France coaching staff.
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Stephan featured in 10 major tournaments, including 9 with Deschamps for France. Previously, he managed Senegal from 2003 to 2005, losing only two matches.
Stephan's playing career ended early due to serious car accident while playing for Caen. After years coaching lower-league clubs, he had short spells as head coach of Lyon and Girondins de Bordeaux. However, Stephan always 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
He gained recognition collaborating with Roger Lemerre for France, contributing to Euro 2000 and 2001 Confederations Cup titles. During this period, Stephan first worked with Deschamps - then France captain.
Pair reunited when Deschamps managed Marseille from 2009 to 2012, before moving to France national team in 2012. In coaching staff, Stephan designs training sessions and prepares tactics. Despite keeping low profile with media, players describe him as approachable and open.
His son, Julien Stephan, currently manages QPR, after coaching Rennes and Strasbourg. Asked about father, Julien describes him with five qualities: "Respect, hard work, generosity, solidarity, and above all, loyalty" - shown through over decade of Stephan working alongside Deschamps for France.
Stephan speaks at press conference before France vs Norway match in final round of World Cup 2026 Group I at Gillette Stadium, Foxborough, Massachusetts, USA on June 25, 2026. Photo: AFP
At pre-match press conference, Stephan says Deschamps personally shared sad news and handed over team management. 69-year-old assistant admits feeling uncomfortable replacing Deschamps in front of media. "I do not see this as my place. I am more used to waiting for players on training pitch than sitting in press room," he says. "This is difficult time for Deschamps and family. Our task is to win group."
France's goal is to defeat Norway to win Group I, securing more favorable schedule in knockout stage. "We qualified, but topping group remains very important. It reduces travel distance, limits weather impact and time zone differences. Most important is finishing group stage in first place," he says.
Though Deschamps is absent from bench, Stephan says they maintain regular contact. However, during match, he will not communicate with head coach. France assistant also reveals center-back William Saliba and forward Marcus Thuram missed final training session due to calf issues, but this does not mean they will miss Norway match.
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