France secured the top spot in their group after a commanding 4-1 victory over Norway. However, head coach Didier Deschamps was not present on the sidelines to guide Les Bleus during the game.
Deschamps departed the United States a few days earlier after a heartbreaking family tragedy, which forced him to miss the final group-stage match. He returned to his homeland following the passing of his mother and attended her funeral.
The French national team requested FIFA's permission for players to wear black armbands during Friday's match in tribute to the head coach's late mother. However, the tournament's governing body reportedly refused to grant approval.
FIFA clarified that they had already dedicated the tribute to honour the victims of the Venezuela earthquake, leaving no provision for an additional commemoration.
Deschamps is expected to rejoin the squad soon, with his assistant coach confirming that he will be back with the team by Saturday.
