France coach Didier Deschamps says the World Cup is a welcome distraction as he mourns his late mother.
He flew back for her funeral and missed the last group game - a 4-1 win over Norway - but is back and happy to focus on football in Tuesday's last-32 game with Sweden in New Jersey.
"It is good to stay busy," he told reporters on Monday. "For me and the national team it was good that I was away," he added. "I am here, I am doing well."
Midfielder Adrien Rabiot also sees the tournament in the US, Mexico and Canada as therapy for his coach, who will step down after the tournament having captained France to 1998 glory and coached them to 2018 success.
"Didier has come back with the desire to go as far as possible. It will help him to get over this tragic event," the 31-year-old Rabiot said.
"We know what he is going through right now and are trying to give him some fun too and help him get through this time."
Deschamps is to be replaced by France football icon Zinedine Zidane, reports say.
France he will have to do without reserve forward Marcus Thuram against the Swedes.
"Marcus is not there. He has a few muscular problems, nothing serious," Deschamps said.
It was still unclear whether midfielder N'Golo Kanté could be in the squad. Centre back William Saliba, who has been struggling with back problems, is ready.
"He is not at 100%, but if he is at 99, everything is good," Deschamps added. "Everything is good for the matches."
