‘We want to make him proud’ – Aurélien Tchouaméni opens up on Didier Deschamps’ absence | OneFootball

France international midfielder Aurélien Tchouaméni (26) has called on his teammates to make Didier Deschamps proud on the eve of Les Bleus‘ last 2026 World Cup group stage game against Norway. After securing their place for the knock-out stage with back-to-back wins against Senegal (3-1) and Iraq (3-0), France only need a draw against Norway to win the tournament’s Group I.

On Friday at Boston’s Gillette Stadium, France will be led by Guy Stéphan, Didier Deschamps’ assistant coach as the former has returned to his homeland following the passing of his mother, whose funeral will be held tomorrow. “On behalf of the entire France team, France’s family, we extend our condolences to the coach and his family” said Tchouaméni. “This is a difficult time for everyone. We tried to make things seem normal, but we have a mission and we want to make him proud.”

The Real Madrid midfielder has added that Deschamps spoke to the entire squad prior to his flight back to France. “He gave us a mission, both the staff and the players. Guy will follow the coach’s instructions. We will continue to respect our playing principles. We are confident that we will do everything we can to win.”

GFFN | Bastien Cheval