France secured the top spot in Group One with a convincing 4-1 victory over Norway at the FIFA World Cup 2026, but preparations for the match were overshadowed by the disaster of head coach Didier Deschamps and FIFA’s decision that criticized the French Football Federation.Deschamps has been absent from the line-up after leaving the training ground in France following the death of his mother, with long-time assistant Guy Stéphan in charge of the team. Before kick-off, the French Football Federation requested permission for the players to wear black armbands in tribute, but the request was rejected by FIFA after a planned tribute had already been paid to victims of the devastating earthquake in Venezuela.
France were forced to play without Deschamps after a family funeral
The France manager returned home earlier this week to attend his mother’s funeral, temporarily leaving the national team at one of the tournament’s most important moments.In a statement announcing his departure, the French Football Federation said: “The coach of the national team was deeply saddened to hear this morning of the death of his mother.It added: “In agreement with Philippe Diallo, the president of the French Football Federation, who is at the training camp of the French national team, Didier Deschamps has given his assistant, Guy Stephan, the responsibility of leading the team until he returns.Guy Stéphan, Deschamps’ trusted assistant throughout his 14 years in charge of France, entered the field against Norway. Before leaving, he carried flowers to the yard in honor of his friend’s mother.
FIFA rejects France’s request to hand over black gear
Before the match, the French Football Federation told the media that there would be a minute’s silence in memory of Deschamps’ mother.However, a few minutes later, the organization issued a statement after FIFA informed officials that a minute’s silence had already been arranged to honor the victims of the earthquake in Venezuela.France later requested permission for players to wear black armbands instead as a sign of respect for their manager’s family in their absence. That request was also rejected by FIFA.The governing body did not make a public statement about the decision at the time, although it confirmed that the organization of the games would still be dedicated to those affected by the earthquake.
France delivers a solid victory despite the emotional conditions
The mental stability did not affect France’s performance as Les Bleus completed another display to finish top of Group I.Ousmane Dembélé produced one of the best performances of the tournament, scoring a hat-trick in the 32nd minute. He opened the scoring in the seventh minute before extending France’s lead in the 20th. Norway reduced the deficit through Thelo Aasgaard, but Dembélé completed a triple in the 32nd minute to restore France’s two-goal lead.
France’s Ousmane Dembele celebrates with Kylian Mbappe, right, after scoring his 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 compete just after half-time when Theo Hernández collided with Oscar Bobb inside the penalty area. Jørgen Strand Larsen got off the mark, but Mike Maignan made a good save to keep France in the lead.Substitute Désiré Doué completed the long-range scoring with a superb header as France wrapped up a 4-1 victory.
Desire Doue of France celebrates after scoring her 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 went ahead while Norway also reached the knockout stage
France entered the tournament having already qualified with wins over Senegal and Iraq, but the win saw them progress as Group I winners and cement their position as one of the favorites to lift the trophy.Norway, meanwhile, had already secured their place in the Round of 32 despite making ten changes to the team that defeated Senegal. Ståle Solbakken left key players including Erling Haaland, Martin Ødegaard and goalkeeper Ørjan Nyland on the bench, prioritizing the revival.The result means France will go into the Round of 32 as group winners, where they are expected to face Sweden, while Norway continue their World Cup campaign despite their first defeat at the tournament.For France, however, the night was more important than football. While Les Bleus celebrated another decisive victory, their thoughts remained with the manager who has led the national team since 2012, led France to the title of the World Cup of 2018 and the final of 2022, but saw this latest victory at home while mourning the loss of his mother.
