The French Football Federation announced that Guy Stephan will assume the role of head coach when "Les Bleus" play today at Gillette Stadium in Foxborough, Massachusetts.

Assistant Guy Stephan (right) smiles and converses with Kylian Mbappe (center) and coach Didier Deschamps during a French national team training session at Clairefontaine on 1/9/2025. *Reuters*

A video circulating on social media shows Stephan, Kylian Mbappe, and Michael Olise analyzing tactics on the flight back to Boston after their victory against Iraq. This highlights the 69-year-old assistant's important role within the French national team's coaching staff.

Stephan has participated in 10 major tournaments, 9 of them alongside Deschamps with the French national team. Previously, he managed the Senegal national team from 2003-2005, losing only two matches.

Stephan's playing career ended prematurely due to a serious traffic accident while with Caen. After years coaching lower-division clubs, he briefly served as head coach for Lyon and Girondins de Bordeaux. However, Stephan always preferred an assistant role, having worked with Raymond Domenech and Jean Tigana at Lyon.

Stephan discusses tactics with Mbappe and Olise. Video: X/kyks_98

His reputation grew significantly while working with Roger Lemerre for the French national team, contributing to their Euro 2000 and Confederations Cup 2001 victories. During this period, Stephan first worked with Deschamps, then the captain of the French national team.

The two reunited when Deschamps managed Marseille from 2009-2012, before moving together to the French national team in 2012. Within the coaching staff, Stephan is responsible for developing training plans and tactical preparations. Despite being reserved with the media, players consider him approachable and open.

His son, Julien Stephan, currently manages QPR, having previously coached Rennes and Strasbourg. When asked about his father, Julien described him with five qualities: "Respectful, hardworking, generous, united, and above all, loyal"—traits demonstrated through Stephan's more than a decade alongside Deschamps with the French national team.

Stephan speaks during a press conference before France's final Group I match against Norway at the 2026 World Cup at Gillette Stadium in Foxborough, Massachusetts, United States on 25/6. *AFP*

During the pre-match press conference, Stephan stated that Deschamps personally informed him of the sad news and handed over management of the team. The 69-year-old assistant admitted he felt uncomfortable replacing Deschamps in front of the media. "I do not see this as my position. I am more accustomed to waiting for players on the training field than sitting in a press conference room," he said. "This is a difficult time for Deschamps and his family. Our mission is to win the group."

France's objective is to defeat Norway to secure first place in Group I, thereby ensuring a more favorable fixture in the knockout stage. "We have already qualified, but finishing top of the group remains very important. It helps reduce travel distances and limits the impact of weather and time zone differences. The most important thing is still to finish the group stage in the number one position," he said.

Although Deschamps will not be on the bench, Stephan confirmed they maintain regular contact. However, during the match, he will not communicate with the head coach. The French assistant also revealed that center-back William Saliba and forward Marcus Thuram did not participate in the final training session due to calf issues, but this does not mean they will be absent against Norway.

Hong Duy (according to Marca)