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France head coach Didier Deschamps, who guided Les Bleus to World Cup glory in 2018 and a runner-up finish in 2022, was absent from the touchline for his team’s final group stage clash at the 2026 World Cup.

Deschamps, who also lifted the World Cup as France’s captain and is overseeing his final matches with the national side before his contract expires at the end of the tournament, returned home earlier this week to attend his mother’s funeral.

“At this incredibly painful time, we wish the head coach immense strength and assure him of the support of everyone,” read a statement released by the French Football Federation (FFF) on Tuesday.

The Norwegian coaching staff paid a touching tribute to Deschamps before the game at Gillette Stadium, presenting flowers to his long-time assistant and close friend, Guy Stephan. The bouquet was handed over by Norway’s head coach Stale Solbakken, as Stephan took temporary charge of Les Bleus in Deschamps’ absence.

At 69, Stephan is 12 years older than Deschamps. During his playing days, he was a forward for clubs such as Guingamp, Rennes, Le Havre and Orleans between 1976 and 1985. His career came to an early end at Caen in 1987 following a car accident.

When Deschamps lifted the European Championship trophy in Rotterdam in 2000, Stephan was serving as assistant coach to Roger Lemerre. Having previously managed Annecy, Lyon and Bordeaux, he later took charge of Senegal in the aftermath of their stunning World Cup victory over France in 2002.

Stephan’s professional journey with Deschamps resumed in 2009 when the former France captain returned to management. After earlier stints with Monaco and Juventus, Deschamps took over at Marseille, succeeding Eric Gerets, who had departed for Saudi Arabia.

When Deschamps moved on to lead the French national team, Stephan remained by his side. Together, they reached two World Cup finals—winning one—and also made it to the European Championship final in 2016.

In total, Deschamps and Stephan have shared a remarkable 17-year partnership as head coach and assistant. Their collaboration has been a cornerstone of France’s resurgence following the disastrous campaign at the 2010 World Cup in South Africa.

“We understand each other perfectly,” Stephan told The Athletic this week. “We don’t even need to speak anymore. Just a glance is enough when we’re on the pitch or at training—if something needs to be adjusted, we look at each other and, boom, it’s like we’ve already said it.”

Under Stephan’s temporary guidance, France were clinical in the first half of their Group I decider against Norway in Boston. Ousmane Dembele netted a brilliant quick-fire hat-trick to give Les Bleus a 3-1 advantage before the break.

Stephan’s son, Julien, is also making waves in management. He has been head coach of Championship side Queens Park Rangers for just over a year, following two separate spells at Rennes and a stint in charge of Strasbourg.