FIFA rejects France’s appalling request to honor Didier Deschamps’ late mother ahead of World Cup match in Norway

France’s Kylian Mbappe (10) warms up before the World Cup Group I soccer match between Norway and France in Foxborough, Mass., near Boston, Friday, June 26, 2026. (AP Photo/Charles Krupa) France secured top spot in Group I with an emphatic 4-1 victory over Norway at the 2026 World Cup, but the build-up to the match has been overshadowed by a personal tragedy for head coach Didier Deschamps and a FIFA decision that drew criticism from the French Football Federation.Deschamps was absent from the line-up after leaving France’s training camp following the death of his mother, with long-time assistant Guy Stéphan taking charge of the team. Before kick-off, the French Football Federation requested permission for the players to wear black armbands as a tribute, but the request was rejected by FIFA after a planned pre-match tribute had already been given to victims of the devastating earthquake in Venezuela.

France were forced to play without Deschamps after a family death

The France manager returned home earlier this week to attend his mother’s funeral, temporarily stepping down from the national team during one of the most important stages of the tournament.In a statement on his departure, the French Football Federation said: “The national team coach was deeply saddened to learn of the death of his mother this morning.”He added: “In agreement with Philippe Dialle, the president of the French Football Federation, who is present at the training camp of the French national team, Didier Deschamps entrusted his assistant Guy Stephan with the responsibility of leading the team until his return. We ask for the utmost respect and restraint during this extremely painful time.”Guy Stéphan, Deschamps’ trusted assistant for most of his 14-year spell in charge of France, started against Norway. Before kick-off, he carried a bouquet of flowers onto the pitch as a silent tribute to his colleague’s mother.

FIFA rejects France’s request for black armbands

Before the match, the French Football Federation informed reporters that there would be a minute’s silence in memory of Deschamps’ mother.However, minutes later, the federation issued an explanation after FIFA informed officials that a pre-match minute’s silence had already been held to honor the victims of the Venezuelan earthquake.France subsequently requested permission for the players to wear black armbands instead as a mark of respect for the absent manager’s family. This request was also rejected by FIFA.The governing body did not publicly comment on the decision at the time, although they did confirm that the pre-match ceremony would remain dedicated to the victims of the earthquake.

France achieved an emphatic victory despite the emotional circumstances

The emotional backdrop did little to derail France’s performance as Les Bleus completed another dominant performance to top Group I.Ousmane Dembélé put in one of the best performances of the tournament, scoring a remarkable first-half hat-trick in 32 minutes. He opened the scoring in the seventh minute before doubling France’s lead in the 20th minute. Norway briefly pulled one back through Thelo Aasgaard, but Dembélé completed his treble in the 32nd minute to restore France’s two-goal cushion.

France’s Ousmane Dembele celebrates with Kylian Mbappe, right, after scoring his team’s third goal during the World Cup Group I soccer match between Norway and France in Foxborough, Mass., near Boston, Friday, June 26, 2026. (AP Photo/Martin Meissner)

Norway had a chance to make the contest competitive shortly after half-time when Theo Hernández fouled Oscar Bobbo in the penalty area. Jørgen Strand Larsen stepped forward from the spot but Mike Maignan guessed right to keep France in the lead.Substitute Désiré Doué completed the scoring deep into the break with a well-placed header as France cruised to a convincing 4-1 victory.

Desire Doue of France celebrates after scoring her team’s fourth goal during the World Cup Group I soccer match between Norway and France in Foxborough, Mass., near Boston, Friday, June 26, 2026. (AP Photo/Martin Meissner)

France progress, while Norway also reach the knockouts

France entered the competition having secured qualification following victories over Senegal and Iraq, but a win ensured they progressed as Group I winners and cemented their position as one of the favorites to lift the trophy.Norway, meanwhile, have already secured their place in the round of 32 despite making ten changes to the side that beat Senegal. Ståle Solbakken left key players including Erling Haaland, Martin Ødegaard and goalkeeper Ørjan Nyland on the bench, favoring freshness ahead of the knockout stages.The result means France advance to the round of 32 as group winners, where they are tipped to face Sweden, while Norway also continue their World Cup campaign despite suffering their first defeat of the tournament.For France, however, the evening had significance beyond football. As Les Bleus celebrated another convincing victory, their thoughts remained firmly with the manager, who has led the national team since 2012, led France to the 2018 World Cup title and the 2022 finals, but watched this latest triumph from home while mourning the loss of his mother.