Nigeria, June 26 -- Real Madrid and France midfielder Aurelien Tchouameni says the entire squad is determined to make head coach Didier Deschamps proud as Les Bleus prepare for their final 2026 FIFA World Cup Group I clash against Norway without the man who has led them for the past 14 years.

Deschamps returned to France earlier this week after learning of the death of his mother and will miss Friday's encounter at Gillette Stadium as he attends her funeral. He is expected to rejoin the squad in the United States on Saturday.

Speaking from France's training base near Boston on Thursday, Tchouameni admitted the squad had been deeply affected by the tragic news but insisted the players were fully focused on delivering a performance worthy...