France coach Didier Deschamps will miss the final group match of his team against Norway on Friday because he is travelling to France after the death of his mother and to attend her funeral.
"The national team manager was saddened to learn of his mother’s death on Tuesday morning. He will return to France to attend her funeral," a French federation (FFF) statement said.
"In agreement with Philippe Diallo, the president of the French Football Federation, who is at the French national team’s base camp for the World Cup in the United States, Didier Deschamps has entrusted his assistant, Guy Stéphan, with the responsibility of leading the squad until his return.
"At this extremely difficult time, we wish the manager and his family much strength and assure them of the support of everyone at the Federation."
France and Norway have qualified for the knock-outs by winning their first two games. But first place in Group I is still at stake, for which Les Bleus only need a draw due to a superior goal difference.
Deschamps, 57, has coached the team since 2012 and will step down after the tournament, with Zinédine Zidane expected to take over. Deschamps led France to the title in 2018 and the final in 2022.
