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France prepares for World Cup group match against Norway without Deschamps

Yahoo Sports • 1 min read • Latest: Jun 25, 2026, 8:03 PM

Last updated Jun 25, 2026

France prepares for World Cup group match against Norway without Deschamps

Summary

France's national team, led by assistant coach Guy Stephan, is focusing on its final World Cup group match against Norway on June 26. The team is aiming to honor coach Didier Deschamps, who has returned to France for his mother's funeral. Aurelien Tchouameni expressed the team's intent to make Deschamps proud during this difficult time. Both teams have already qualified for the knockout stage, with France in a position to secure the top spot in Group I with a draw. A key change for France includes the absence of William Saliba due to a back injury, with Maxence Lacroix expected to start in his place.

Source Links

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By the Numbers

•Aurelien Tchouameni aims to honor Didier Deschamps
•Guy Stephan leads France in Deschamps' absence
•Both teams have six points and have qualified
•William Saliba out with a back injury
•Maxence Lacroix likely to replace Saliba in defense

Latest Updates

8:03 PMYahoo Sports — France squad look to do grieving Deschamps proud in final World Cup group game

What they're saying

"
France star Aurelien Tchouameni said his team were aiming to make Didier Deschamps "as proud as possible" as they go into their final World Cup group game against Norway on Friday without their coach, who has returned home to attend his mother's funeral.Deschamps learned the news of his mother's death on Tuesday and has flown back to France to attend the funeral on Friday, before he then returns to the United States to be with his squad.
— Yahoo Sports

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